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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 17. 


CEEUN OE. DUG: 


A GENERAL SUMMARY OF ITS HISTORY, HABITS, ENEMIES, AND OF 
THE REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES TO BE USED AGAINST IT, 


By L. O. HOWARD, M. &., 


ASSISTANT ENTOMOLOGIST. 


——————_ —= o >} oe ——_—- 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1888. 


ea WEPARIMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 17. 


PELEN CEE DUG: 


A GENERAL SUMMARY OF ITS HISTORY, HABITS, ENEMIES, AND OF 
THE REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES TO BE USED AGAINST IT, 


iby, 1. O:. BOW ARD, M. S.. 


ASSISTANT ENTOMOLOGIST. 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFIOE, 


1888. 
12734—Bull. 17 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


LETT OL SWIM GUM. (Ole eeccc ed bogus Speacemoas paacHodsoEes bogEes Saoacr 
JIN TPROIDUCOMIO IR? ee Mos = 85554 540 Sk Gaontteases Sos Saeaibe a Se. copech sbeeod atuoe 
Reasons for publishing at present time, 5—Acknowledgments of assist- 
ance, 5. 
ASME SO FuNgeee as ese /cyork a)si-.cio =o ania oheimiare aut cla Sisie.eie = aieieis acto e aletn, auste wom eiaiSisie\at = 
The Chinch Bug a southern rather than a northern insect, 5—Its early ap- 
pearances, 6—First scientifie description, 6—The name ‘‘ Mormon louse,” 
6—First recorded appearance in Missouri, lowa, Indiana, and Wiscon- 
sin, 6—Damage in 1864 and 1868, 6—Estimates of loss in 1871, 6—The 
great injury in 1874, 6—First accurate account of early stages, 7—In- 
terest in 1881, 7—Its first injurious appearance in New York, 7—Damage 
done in 1887, 7—Table of losses by States and crops, 8—Counties report- 
ing loss, 9. 
CROGRAPHICAT DISTRIBUTION 5.200 oa0 ee tse eae eee scot sep see ane ses see eee 
In New York and New England, 10—In Canada, 10 —In the Southern States, 
10—The States most injured, 10—In Cuba, 10—In California, 11—In 
Mexico, 12. 
RIM REANGND Ae sete ace amiss oss e Poise end on dn, onic neryneis (Snags Sa) onaioepw ais eee 
The cultivated grains, 12—Wild grasses, 12—Rice, 13—Probability of a 
food-plant outside of the Graminee, 13. 
AG HS pOLE GROW Tet —— DS CRNE DIE eae ear ricierisatetae aeiete.n = cieteme stern: ems re ee terete 
The egg, 13-—Larval stages, 13—Pupa, 14—Imago, 14—Original descrip- 
tion quoted, 14—Le Baron’s description, 15—Fiteh’s varieties, 15—Riley’s 
variety melanosus, 15—A new variety, 15. 
NUMBE ROSE ROOMS AND ELBE R NATION: seme nl 256 setae oaetocea mea: os sciereeee 
Early misconceptions, 15—First accurate statement, 15—Number of broods 
south, 16—Hibernation, 16—Influence of severe cold, 17—Odor renders 
hibernating places easily found, 17—Osage hedges in the West, 17. 
JAS SUIS) i 2 Sie TR eR ce pe ae a ne a ae ey 
Flight, 18—Oviposition, 18—Young larve, 19—Rate of growth, 19—Migra- 
tions, 19—Their habits on corn, 20—Preparation for hibernation, 20—Er- 
roneous statement as to oviposition, 21—Exceptional habits, 21. 
NAVI AU ENE MINES JAN DEDISMASM SHE Scent eis = Aeetos 2e eo eee SS coms See 
No true insect parasites, 21 —A possible hair-worm parasite, 21—The lady- 
bird enemies, 22—The lace-winged fly, 22—True bugs which prey upon 
it, 22—Testimony against the efficacy of lady-birds, 23—Vertebrate ene- 
mies, 23—Birds, 24--Qnail laws, 24—Diseases, 25—Dr. Shimer’s account 
. of the 1865 epidemic, 26—Professor Forbés’ investigations, 27—Professor 
Riley’s comments, 28. 
DAA EAST ELICE, AUN RUE PDENG HOD UGS) na 2-212 Se\ciaia oy siciw Sates eisic Scion bade ome 
Wet weathvr inimical, 28—Professor Forbes’ experiments, 29—Comments, 
29—Wet weather and disease, 29—Dr. Thomas’s theory, 30—Professor 
Riley’s comments, 31—An anonymous prediction, 31—Table of tempera- 
ture and rain-fall in North Carolina, 32—Records of precipitation for 1885, 
1886, and 1887, in Chinch Bug States, 32. 
I 


12 


13 


15 


18 


21 


28 


II 


REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES ...---.-------------------- 
Early recommendations, 33—Preventives, 33—Clean cultivation, 33—Diver- 


BoGus CHINCH BUGS 
The False Chinch Bug, 42—The Insidious Flower-bug, 43—The Ash-gray 


PIBEIOGRAPHIC AM ISD aia’ etme malate in slo a\eiatebate miele tate te = eaten 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


sified farming, 33—Rotation of crops, 34—Early sowing and manuring, 
34—Rolling, 34—Sowing an unattractive crop with wheat, 35— Direct 
winter remedies, 35—Burning, 35—Fall plowing and harrowing, 35—Gas 
lime, 35—Trapping, 36—Trampling, 36—Direct summer remedies before mi- 
gration, 36—Irrigation, 36—Burning, 37-—Prevention of migration—direct 
remedies during and after migration, 388—Ditching, 38—Tarred boards or 
tar alone, 38—Sowing strips of plants distasteful to the bugs around the 
fields to be protected, 39—Sowing strips of favored food around the fields 
to be protected, 39—Hot water and soap-suds, 39—Kerosene emulsion, 
39—Professor Forbes’ experiments, 39—The Hubbard formula, 40—Major 
Tucker’s experiment, 40—Professor Atkinson’s experiments, 40—Pro- 
fessor Osborn’s experiments, 41—Mr. Warren’s experiment, 42. 


Leaf-bug, 43—The Flea-like Negro-bug, 43—The Striped Flea-beetle, 43. 


42 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUR 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Washington, D. C., January 3, 1888. 

Srr: I have the honor to submit for publication Bulletin No. 17 from 
this Division, being a paper upon the Chinch Bug prepared by my first 
assistant, Mr. L. O. Howard, for the forthcoming Annual Report. 
There are several important, or what the late Dr. LeBaron called “ first 
class,” injurious insects, like the Chinch Bug, which I have so far not 
eared to treat of in the publications of the Division, because in past 
years, while State Entomologist of Missouri, I had occasion to publish 
pretty fully upon them and because there is little opportunity to make 
further investigations or experiments upon them in the vicinity of 
Washington. I have, however, endeavored to keep a record of every- 
thing published in reference to them and of the advance in our knowl- 
edge of improved means of controlling them. On account of the great 
interest felt just now in the Chinch Bug and the prospect of injury from 
it the coming summer in the Mississippi Valley, and from the fact that 
the principal work to be done in preventing such injury is winter work, 
I have decided, with your approval, to issue this paper in advance as a 
bulletin, in order to supply the constant demand for information upon 
the insect at the present time. It may be looked upon as an emer- 
gency bulletin published because of the probable delay in the appear- 
ance of the more bulky annual report beyond the time when the inform 
ation will be useful for the coming season. 

Respectfully, 
C2 ¥. RiELEW. 
Entomologist. 
Hon. NorMAN J. COLMAN, 
Commissioner of Agriculture. 


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(Blissus leucopterus, Say.) 


Order HEMIPTERA ; family LYGA:IDz. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


The present treatment of the Chinch Bug offers little scope for any- 
thing new or original. It is an extremely destructive species which has 
been exhaustively treated by former writers and which, after several 
years of comparative scarcity, has again become very injurious, so much 
so as to occasion the loss of millions of dollars during the past sea- 
son and to eall forth the greatest variety of comment from the press of 
the country, agricultural or otherwise. In this emergency it happens 
that there are no public documents for distribution and even no books 
which can be purchased which treat of the life history of and remedies 
for this pest. The State reports of Riley and LeBaron are out of print; 
the small edition of Bulletin 5 of the U. 8S. Entomological Commission, 
by Dr. Thomas, was long since exhausted ; and the recent bulletin and 
circular by Forbes treat almost solely of remedies. 

It becomes necessary, theretore, to bring out once more a complete 
review of the subject. Previous writings, particularly those of Riley, 
are freely used, and in many instances the well-known Missouri reports 
of my chief are quoted at length. 

Observations by Prof. Herbert Osborn, F. M. Webster, W. B. Alwood, 
and Miss Mary Murtfeldt, Agents of the Division, are acknowledged as 
they are used. Indebtedness to Prof. G. F. Atkinson, of Chapel Hill, 
N. C., for observations made in his vicinity, is here acknowledged. The 
note-books of the Division of Entomology and the extensive records for 
many years collected by Professor Riley have been at my disposal. 


PAST HISTORY. 


It has been quite generally accepted that the Chinch Bug is, compar- 
atively speaking, a Southern rather than a Northern insect, and in so 
far as the matter of destructive appearances goes, this idea is well up- 
held by its past history. In our section upon geographical distribu- 
tion, however, we have shown that the species is by no means confined 


to the more Southern States, but that it is often found north of the 
5 


6 THE CHINCH BUG. 


boundary line, in Canada. It was first noticed, so far as we can find, 
in North Carolina, at the close of the Revolutionary war, where, as has 
been so often stated, it was mistaken for the Hessian fly, which at that 
time was attracting considerable notice on Long Island and there- 
abouts. 

Dr. Fitch, in his second report, gives with some little detail an account 
of its early appearances, from which we may simply state that after 
this first notice the insect did considerable damage for several years in 
North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. After a short series of 
seasons it was again destructive in North Carolina in 1809, so that in 
Orange County the cultivation of wheat was abandoned for two years. 

In 1839, in the same States, great damage was done to corn and 
wheat, and in 1840 an increase in number occurred, and the wholesale 
destruction of the crops was only prevented by an, exceedingly wet 
season. 

The first scientific description of this species was given by Say in 
1831, in a pamphlet, now very scarce, published at New Harmony, Ind., 
entitled “Descriptions of new species of Heteropterous Hemiptera,” 
from a single specimen collected on the eastern shore of Virginia, and 
it was probably at that time rare in Indiana, where Say resided, at New 
Harmony. 

It attracted much attention in 1840 in Illinois when it occurred in 
numbers in Hancock County, where it was supposed to have been in- 
troduced by the Mormons, and was called in consequence the “* Mormon 
louse.” 

According to Professor Riley, the first recorded appearance of the 
insect in Missouri was in 1839. It was again noticed in 1844, and has 
been destructive at intervals ever since. In Iowa its first recorded ap- 
pearance is in 1847, in Indiana in 1854, and in Wisconsin in 1855. 

Highteen hundred and sixty-four was a year marked by damage in 
these Western States. In 1868, a season of great drought, much damage 
was done by the bugs in Missouri. 

In 1871 great damage was done in Illinois, southern Iowa, in parts 
of Indiana, in Nebraska, in southern Missouri, and Kansas. It was 
estimated by Dr. LeBaron in his second Illinois report that the loss 
to the wheat, oat, and barley crops during this year amounted to 
$10,500,000 in Illinois alone, and in the other six States mentioned, in- 
cluding Indiana, the total loss was upwards of $30,000,000. 

In 1874 they occurred again in Missouri and the adjoining States in 
exceptional abundance. It was during this season that Professor Riley 
sent out circulars to all parts of Missouri and at the close of which he 
wrote the extended article which was published in his Seventh Report 
on the Insects of Missouri. 

He estimated that the total loss to the group of States of which 
eastern Kansas forms a center was double that of 1871. Very care- 
ful estimates by counties gave an aggregate loss of $19,000,000 for 


THE CHINCH BUG. < 


Missouri alone, including only the three staple crops of Wheat, Corn, 
and Oats. He mentions several facts which tend to show that this esti- 
mate is low rather than high. In this report Professor Riley also gave 
the first accurate and extended descriptions of the adolescent stages, 
including the egg, and noticed the differences between the number of 
joints in the tarsi in the young and the adult. 

From 1874 to 1881 there were no serious irruptions of this pest, but 
in this year it attracted considerable notice and did a great deal of dam- 
age in some Western States. Much newspaper literature concern- 
ing the insect was published during this year, much of which was 
excited by Thomas’s paper upon the “ Relation of Meteorological Condi- 
tions to Insect Development and Particularly to the Chinch Bug.” It 
was during this year also that the ‘‘Chinch Bug convention” was held 
at Windsor, Kans., and it was decided to exclude Wheat from cultiva- 
tion as a means of extirpating the pest. 

In 1882 the work of the bug upon timothy grass was discovered in 
Saint Lawrence County, N. Y., for the first time in its history. It in- 
creased and spread in 1883, exciting great alarm, and occasioned several 
articles from the pen of Dr. Lintner, who also issued a circular on reme- 
dies and anticipating further damage. 

Professor Riley in Science (Vol. II, p. 620) and in his Report for 1884 
stated that there was little cause for alarm in New York, and indeed no 
particular damage has since been recorded. In 1885 some damage was 
done in parts of Kansas and Nebraska, and in 1886 stillmore. Bulletin 
No. 13 of the Division of Entomology contains reports of considerable 
damage in the spring of 1886 from Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Ne- 
braska and more especially in southern [linois. 

During the past year (1887) the injury was marked in these States 
and also in some parts of Missouri, but the interesting point in the his- 
tory of this season has been the occurrence of the insect in immense 
numbers in portions of Virginia and North and South Carolina for the 
first time in many years. As a thorough review of the localities and 
damage this season is desirable, a statement has been drawn up at my 
request by Mr. J. R. Dodge, the statistician of this Department, which 
is submitted herewith. 

Mr. Dodge reports as follows: 


In accordance with your request, I take pleasure in communicating the results of 
inquiries mace relative to the geographical distribution of Chinch Bugs during the 
past season, and to the extent of their destruction of growing crops. 

I find indications of their presence throughout the southern and western States, 
but no material injuries to crops are reported except in States bordering on the Mis- 
sissippi River and the Lower Missouri. Kansas, part of Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, 
Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and eastern Minnesota include practically the tield of 
their serious operations. 

They attacked wheat and rye first, then barley and oats, and afterward corn, grass, 
millet, sorghum, and broom-corn. As corn, wheat, and oats are the principal tilled 
crops of this area, they represent the principal part of the damage. 


8 THE CHINCH BUG. 


In many places the fields were cleared, and small grain areas were ploughed up. 
The pest came in some cases to districts that had never before been ravaged; in many 
others the scourge was claimed to be more sweeping than ever before. 

The insect was present in injurious numbers in nearly every county in Kansas. 
Correspondents in Leavenworth, in the extreme east, and Hamilton, on the Colorado 
border, gave the only negative replies. The worst damage was done in this State. 

The infliction was general in Missouri, except in a belt in the central part of the 
State, not very regular nor wholly untouched, trending northeasterly, and connecting 
with a similar belt in Illinois. 

Further north, no portion of Iowa was exempt, except the northwest corner of the 
State, in proximity to areas of exemption from central Minnesota westwardly through 
Dakota, and near to a similar area in northern Nebraska. In eastern Minnesota and 
southern Wisconsin, however, the scourge was general and severe. In Illinois com- 
parative exemption was enjoyed ina central belt running in a northeasterly direction 
from Christian to Champaign, and from Adams to Bureau, fifteen to twenty counties, 
in which correspondents responded in the negative as to their destructive presence. 
Elsewhere the pest was nearly universal. : 

The southwestern corner of Indiana was alive with Chinch Bugs; elsewhere, though 
present in much of the area, only about a dozen counties estimated any material 
losses. They were still scarcer in Michigan. Only ten counties in Ohio reported 
their injurious presence; and a few only in Kentucky indicated material damage. 

These insects are reported as more or less injurious in every season of drought and 
scarce or absent in all wet areas. In the area of their depredations the crops have 
an annual value of more than a fourth of the entire agricultural production of the 
United States, and a value nearly four times as great as that of the cotton crop. 
It will readily be seen that the losses must be heavy, undoubtedly greater than those 
of all other insects together, as no such values are involved in other crops subject to 
insect depredations the past year. 

The following table has been prepared from data, severely scrutinized, revised, and 
accurately consolidated. It makes a large sum, and yet does not comprise all the 
damage done to barley and rye, millet, etc., all of which might be approximately 
stated in round numbers as $60,000,000. The record by States is as follows: 


Corn. Wheat. Oats. 
States. seer 
Bushels. Value. | Bushels. “Bosbels. | Vatae, Value. Bushels. Value. 
tee = 2 
Kentucky 983,280 | $521, 188 66, 678 $48,675 li Soca. cae BER Smee ses 
MIO ese nce ce et 885, 564 425, O71 215, 370 161, 528 60, 196 $19, 263 
Indiana ....... ---| 1,785, 000 | 803, 250 | 453, 936 326. 834 167, 658 48, 621 
Illinois...... ----| 16,929,600 | 6, 941, 136 | 5, 529, 150 3 870, 405 3, 810, 310 1, 028, 784 
Wisconsin | 1, 804, 250 757, 785 | 3,004, 490 1,922) 874 | 1, 742, 750 487, 970 
Minnesota 2,169, 720 | 802, 796 | 9, 074. 750 5, 354, 103 | 2, 438, 160 633, 922 
TL Oconee ee oe 22,020,240 | 7,707,084 | 6,977,620 | 4,256,348 | 4,462,920 1,071,101 
IMUANOMIT 53,2 noscas~ ence ese: 15, 504, 390 5, 736, 624 1, 664, 640 il 032, 077 795, 860 206, 924 
LCE E: ps I RS BN 16, 840, 340 6, 230, 926 | 2, 282, 100 | rs 392, 081 6, 406, 560 2, 438, 497 


otal? 12 5. ues Sere tare 78, 922, 384 | 29, 925, 810 | 29, 268, 734 | 18, 364, 925 | 19, 884,414 | 5, 935, 082 


| 


Respectfully, 
J. R. DODGE, 
Statistician. 


Accompanying these statements of Mr. Dodge were a number of 
State maps indicating the counties reporting to the Department damage 
from the Chinch Bug. Many other localities had Chinch Bugs in abund- 
ance and considerable damage was done in States not represented in 


THE CHINCH BUG. 9 


this list. These localities, however, are authoritative, and their reports 
furnished the main basis for the table which precedes. We may sum- 
marize these briefly as follows: 


Illinois, fifty-one counties, as follows: Stephenson, Winnebago, Lake, Carroll, Lee, 
Kendall, Will, La Salle, Rock, Mercer, Warren, Stark, Iroquois, Vermillion, Edgar, 
Douglas, Coles, Moultrie, Shelby, Cumberland, Clark, Jasper, Effingham, Fayette, 
Bond, Madison, Macoupin, Greene, Pike, Jersey, Saint Clair, Clinton, Washington, 
Marion, Clay, Lawrence, Wabash, Edwards, White, Hamilton, Franklin, Randolph, 
Jackson, Williamson, Saline, Gallatin, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Massac, and Alexander. 

Indiana, twenty-five counties, as follows: Elkhart, Jasper, White, Huntington, 
Wells, Blackford, Jay, Warren, Montgomery, Wayne, Shelby, Johnson, Sullivan, 
Greene, Dearborn, Knox, Martin, Ohio, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, Posey, Vanderburgh, 
Warrick, and Spencer. 

Iowa, sixty-one counties, as follows: Winnebago, Worth, Mitchell, Howard, Win- 
neshick, Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Chickasaw, Floyd, Cerro Gordo, Hancock, 
Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Franklin, Dubuque, Buchanan, Grundy, Hamilton, 
Webster, Calhoun, Sac, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Story, Marshall, Tama, Benton, 
Linn, Jackson, Clinton, Scott, Muscatine, Iowa, Jasper, Dallas, Guthrie, Audubon, 
Shelby, Madison, Mahaska, Keokuk, Des Moines, Henry, Monroe, Lucas, Union, 
Adams, Montgomery. Mills, Fremont, Page, Taylor, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose, 
Davis, Van Buren, Lee. 

Kansas, sixty-three counties, as follows: Cheyenne, Rawlins, Norton, Phillips, 
Jewell, Washington, Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Wyandotte, Jefferson, Jackson, 
Shawnee, Douglas, Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee, Davis, Clay, Cloud, Mitchell, 
Rooks, Graham, Sheridan, Thomas, Sherman, Gove, Russell, Lincoln, Ottawa, Ells- 
worth, Saline, Dickinson, Morris, Osage, Franklin, Miami, Linn, Anderson, Coffey, 
Chase, Marion, McPherson, Rice, Barton, Rush, Ness, Lane, Scott, Ford, Pawnee, 
Stafford, Reno, Sedgwick, Allen, Neosho, Cherokee, Labette, Chatauqua, Cowley, 
Sumner, Barbour, Comanche. 

Kentucky, eight counties, as follows: Carroll, Pendleton, Bracken, Estill, Mercer, 
Union, Ballard, Marshall. 

Michigan, five counties, as follows: Manitou, Presque Isle, Saginaw, Shiawassee, 
Saint Joseph. 

Minnesota, twenty-seven counties, as follows: Hubbard, Wadena, Todd, Crow Wing, 
Kanabec, Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Sherburne, Stearns, Wright, Carver, Scott, Rice, Wa- 
basha, Winona, Olmstead, Dodge, Steele, Waseca, Watonwan, Martin, Faribault, 
Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston. 

Missouri, sixty counties, as follows: Atchison, Nodaway, Holt, Worth, Gentry, Har- 
rison, Mercer, Putnam, Sullivan, Adair, Linn, Clinton, Caldwell, Ray, Chariton, Ran- 
dolph, Lincoln, Saint Charles, Callaway, Copper, Johnson, Cass, Bates, Henry, Saint 
Clair, Hickory, Osage, Maries, Gasconade, Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Sainte 
Genevieve, Perry, Iron, Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, New Madrid, Butler, 
Wayne, Oregon, Shannon, Pulaski, Laclede, Wright, Douglas, Ozark, Christian, Web- 

. ster, Dallas, Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, Barton, Lawrence, Barry, Newton, and Mc- 
Donald. 

Ohio, ten counties, as follows: Defiance, Wood, Geauga, Allen, Shelby, Darke, Frank- 

lin, Fairfield, Meigs, and Gallia. 


GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 


East of the Rocky Mountains the Chinch Bug seems to be indigenous 
North and South, feeding naturally upon various species of wild grasses 
and becoming multiplied wherever the cultivation of wheat has reached 
its original haunts. 


10 THE CHINCH BUG. 


It was first noticed, as stated in the last section, in North Carolina, 
and Say’s original description was published from a Virginia specimen. 

Fitch records the fact that he had collected specimens in New York, 
but that it was exceedingly rare. Signoret also records it from New 
York, and, as we have just shown, it appeared in 1883 in destructive 
numbers in the northern part of this State. Harris in the first edition 
of his well-known work states that it does not occur in New England, 
but in a foot-note to his second edition states that while the sheet was 
passing through the press he discovered a single specimen in his own 
garden at Cambridge (June 17, 1852). And in 1883, according to Dr. 
George Dimmock (Psyche, November, December, 1883, p. 119), the 
lowland between Belmont and Cambridge was swarming with them. 
They have also been collected by Dr. Packard at Salem, Mass., in Maine, 
and at the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Dr. 
Lintner records the fact that Mr. H. L. Fernald captured one or more 
specimens in 1879, 1880, and 1882, at Orono, Me. 

In Canada they occurred at Grimsby, Ontario, in 1866, and were sent 
from that point in that year to Mr. Walsh. Mr. W. Hs, Harrington col- 
lected specimens found abundantly at Sydney, Cape Breton (N. lat. 46° 
18’) in September, 1884 (Can. Ent., November, 1884, p. 218). Dr. Fitch 
received specimens from western Pennsylvania, and also stated that it 
was sent him from Mississippi with the information that in sume years 
it damaged the crops of Indian corn. We have found it personally in 
considerable numbers in the rice fields near Savannah, Ga., and Mr. EB. 
A. Schwarz and others have collected itin Florida. In the latter State 
Mr. Schwarz found it very abundantly at Biscayne Bay, breeding in 
the wingless form only in considerable numbers upon Sand Oats (Uni- 
ola paniculata). Mr. Webster has noticed it in Mississippi and Louisi- 
ana. It has also been collected in this same form, upon the same 
plant, on the sea-shore at Fortress Monroe, Va., by Messrs. Schwarz 
and Heidemann. The States, however, in which it does the greatest 
damage’ are Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, 
Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, southern Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, 
Kansas, and Nebraska. Uhlerrecords the species from Texas, Califor- 
nia, Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and 
generally throughout the Atlantic region. 

Outside of the United States it is recorded only from Cuba (see 

-Signoret ‘‘ Essai Monographique du Genre Micropus, Spinola ;” Ann. 
Soc. Ent. France, V, 3d series, 1857, p. 31), and the Cuban individuals 
are long-winged, while Mr. Schwarz never found a long-winged indi- 
vidual in Florida, in spite of the fact that he has collected in localities 
the insect fauna of which is in the main Cuban. This observation con- 
flicts with the general observation of Mr. Uhler that the short-winged 
form seems to be more common in New England than in the Southern 
States. 

The only authentic published record of the occurrence of the Chinch Bug 
west of the Rocky Mountains is the mere mention by Uhler, in his list of 


THE CHINCH BUG. Tt 


the Hemiptera of the region west of the Mississippi River (Bull. Hayden 
Surv. I, 306), of California as one of the States which it inhabits, but 
this record has been overlooked by Californians. Its advent upon the 
Pacific slope has been expected and dreaded. Matthew Cooke in his 
book, published in 1883, npon injurious insects of the Orchard, Vine- 
yard, etc., figured and described it, and under the head of ‘‘ Remedies ” 
wrote, “Should the pest appear in this State it can be prevented,” ete. 
— In June, 1885, there were several newspaper reports on the occurrence 
of this insect in great numbers in California. Toe San Francisco Even- 
ing Post for June 23, 1885, quoting from the Woodland Democrat, pub- 
lished the statement: 

Messrs. Frazee and Henderson, who live southwest of Woodland, brought to this 
office a bottle of this pestiferous insect (chinch bug) on Tuesday. Mr. Henderson 
says that he recognized them as the same eastern variety that frequently does so 
much injury to wheat in Missonri. These gentlemen say they discovered the bugs 
traveling between the lands of Day and Clanton. There are millions of them, but as 
to the extent of country covered they are unable to say. The bugsare nearly grown 
and are just beginning to have wings. As soon as the wings develop they fly and 
scatter everywhere. Mr. Frazee says there is no danger from them this year as the 
grain is too far advanced. 


So far this item seems very plausible, but it goes on to state “ that 
another gentleman had noticed them injuring grape-vines” which of 
course introduces a probability of wrong identification. 

There is no question, however, but that the Chinch Bug is to be found at 
present in California, but there is no assurance of its existence in injuri- 
ous numbers. Our certainty as to its presence arises from the fact that 
a single specimen of a short-winged variety of this insect is among a lot 
collected in the vicinity of San Francisco in 1885 by Mr. Koebele. It 
is unquestionably a true Chinch Bug. Another specimen of the same 
variety was collected in 1884 by some students of Johns Hopkins Uni- 
versity who summered in California and was given to Mr. Lugger, of 
this Division, who was at that time connected with the University. 
Recent communications from California in answer to inquiries on this 
point show that the insect is not known to the entomologists in that 
State. The False Chinch Bug (Nysius angustatus) has been, we learn 
from Mr. Koebele, very destructive to grapes in that State the past sea- 
son, and it is more than likely that this is the insect referred to in the 
newspaper article justquoted. Mr. Koebele writes that the False Chinch 
was so abundant around Alameda in July that in an old road at least 
50 specimens could be counted under each plant of Polygonum aviculare. 
He made, in 1887, a most careful search of the locality in which he found 
the 1885 specimen, but could not find a single additional individual. 
He also examined the large collection of Hemiptera in the California 
Academy of Sciences without success. The following paragraph is from 
Mr. Coquiliett’s answer to our inquiries: 


I have never met with the Chinch Bug in any part of California that I have visited— 
neither in Merced County, around the city of Sacramento, nor on the southern part of 


12 THE CHINCH BUG. 


the State, where I have collected Hemiptera extensively with the sweep-net. Dr. 
Rivers, curator of the museum at our State University, writes me that three years 
ago he took three specimens of a bug that looked much like the Chinch Bug, but was 
darker and smaller, and he does not believe that they belonged to this species; they 
were taken in Sonoma County, and were sent off, he knows not where. He has col- 
lected Hemiptera extensively since then, but the Chinch Bug is not among them. 
Mr. Wickson, editor of the Pacific Rural Press, writes me that he has ‘‘ never seen a 
specimen nor heard of one as being recognized by an observer whom I would con- 
sider as capable of recognizing the insect.” 


Since writing the above we have learned trom Mr. Ubler that he has 
seen specimens of the Chinch Bug from California of along winged form, 
which were collected near San Francisco, probably by Mr. Henry Ed- 
wards. He has also seen specimens from Cuba and from Tamaulipas, 


Mexico. 
FOOD PLANTS. - 


The Chinch Bug willfeed upon all grains and grasses so far as known. 
The most prominent crops which are seriously injured are Wheat, Barley, 
and Indian Corn. The testimony in regard to Oats is conflicting, but 
Le Baron’s conclusion to the effect that “if this grain be sown where 
Chineh Bugs abound, and especially if it is sown exclusively, it. will be 
damaged to a greater or less extent the first year, but that the bugs will 
probably not continue to breed in it to any great extent in succeeding 
years” is unquestionably correct. Broom-corn, Sorghum, Chicken-corn, 
Hungarian grass, Millet, Rye, Rice, Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), 
Fox-tail grass (Setaria glauca), Timothy (Phloeum pratense), Blue-grass 
(Poa pratensis), Crab-grass (Panicum sanguinale), Bottle-grass (Setaria 
viridis), and all of our wild grasses, so far as known, are attacked, but 
beyond these no food plant has ever been authentically recorded. Re- 
ports of damage done to other crops, such as grape-vines and garden 
crops, are the result of mistaken identity, and an error in the compila- 
tion of Packard’s Guide to the Study of Insects has doubtless done much 
to perpetuate the idea that this insect is a more general feeder. This 
was corrected in the later editions of this work, probably at the sug- 
gestion in Professor Riley’s criticism in his 7th Rept. Ins. Mo., p. 26. 

Upon the Sand Oats (Uniola paniculata) in Florida Mr. Schwarz no- 
ticed that the entire development of the insect is undergone upon the 
highest part of this tall plant and not close to the bottom as in our lat- 
itude. The probable reason for. this, as he has pointed out, is, that 
the strong winds are continually blowing fine, sharp sand through the 
lower parts of the plants, rendering it impossible for the bugs to remain 
at these places and forcing them to seek their nourishment higher up. 

Concerning Timothy and the Crab-grasses Professor Forbes says: 

It seems to prefer timothy to blue-grass, not really relishing either as a general 
thing, and takes to the crab-grasses (Punicum) not at all, or only as a last resort. 
(Bull. No. 2, State Ent. Il.) 

This generalization is undoubtedy correct for Illinois and the sur- 
rounding States, but, as Professor Forbes himself points out in a foot- 


THE CHINCH BUG. 13 


note, the bugs did great damage to Timothy in northern New York in 
1883, and the following extract from a letter recently received from 
Professor Atkinson, of North Carolina, indicates that in that State at 
least the Crab-grass becomes an important item of the insect’s diet. 

* * * Thave recently discovered that at this season of the year (October 2) the 
chinch bug feeds on the “ crab-grass ” so common in cultivated and waste places, 
and especially so abundant in many of the corn-fields after cultivation has ceased. 
The chinch bug must go to grass after the corn becomes mature and no longer yields. 
the sap. I have found the bugs inside thesheath and clear evidence of their having 
punctured the culm. No doubt this grass affords them subsistence fur quite a period 
of time and then shelter for the winter. * * * Ihave found within the past few 
days pup or wingless individuals on the crab-grass. * * * 

Referring again to Timothy we may state that a meadow of this grass 
on the farm of J. F. Whiton, near Wakeman, Huron County, Ohio, was 
injured considerably by the bugs in 1886. Professor Forbes,. however 
(Bull. 2), gives an instance where sowing Timothy with Fall Wheat 
was probabably the cause of the salvation of the crop. 

On cultivated Rice we found Chinch Bugs very generally scattered 
throughout the large rice-fields near Savannah, Ga., in August, 1881. 
Only adult specimens were found at that time and all were fully winged, 
and were found upon the heads of the grain, to which they had proba- 
bly flown, as the fields had been flooded for some time previously. No 
particular damage to the crop was perceptible, unless their punctures 
contribute to bring about the disease known as “ white blast,” as sug- 
gested by Pr ofessor Riley in his Annual Report for 188182, page 137. 

We shall probably be obliged to widen our close restriction of the 
Chinch Bug food plants, to admit at least one of the Polygonums. A 
chance statement by Mr. Bruner that he had known this insect to feed 
upon the so called *‘ Wild Buckwheat” in Nebraska led to a letter of 
close inquiry, to which he replied that there can be no mistake and that 
the plant is either Polygonum dumetorum, or P. convolvulus. 


STAGES OF GROWTH—DESCRIPTIVE. 


The following descriptive matter is from Professor Riley’s Seventh 
Report on the Insects of Missouri, and is fuller and more careful than 
that published elsewhere. It will be noticed that there are three larval 
stages, necessitating two molts before the pupa and three before the 
adult. It will also be noticed that the larve have but two joints to 
the feet, while the adults have three : 


The Egg.—(F¥ig. la, b.) Average length 0.03 inch, elongate oval, the diameter 
scarcely one-fifth the length. The top squarely docked, and surmounted with four 
small rounded tubercles near the center. Color when newly laid, pale-and whitish 
and translucent, acquiring with age an amber color, and finally showing the red parts 
of the embryo, and especially the eyes toward the tubercled end. The size increases 
somewhat after deposition, and will sometimes reach near 0.04 in length. 

Larval Stages.—The newly-hatched larva (Fig. 1c) is pale yellow, with simply an 
orange stain on the middle of the three larger abdominal joints. The form scarcely 


at THE CHINCH BUG. 


differs from that of the mature bug, being but slightly more elongate; but the tarsi 
have but two joints (Fig. 4d), and the head is relatively broader and more rounded, 
while the joints of body are sub-equal, the prothoracic joint being but slightly longer 
than any of the rest. The red color soon pervades the whole body, except the first 
two abdominal joints, which remain yellowish, and the members, which remain pale. 
After the first molt (Fig. le) the red is quite bright vermilion, contrasting strongly 
with the pale band across the middle of the body, the prothoracic joint is relatively 
longer, and the metathoracic relatively shorter. The head and prothorax are dusky 
and coriaceous, and two broad marks on mesothorax, two smaller ones on metathorax, 
two on the fourth and fifth abdominal sutures, and one at tip of abdomen are gen- 
erally visible, but sometimes obsolete; the third and fourth joints of antennx are 
dusky, but the legs still pale. After the second molt (Fig. 1f) the head and thorax are 
quite dusky, and the abdomen duller red, but the pale transverse band is still dis- 
tinct; the wing-pads become apparent, the members are more dusky, there is a dark 
red shade on the fourth and fifth abdominal joints, and, ventrally, a distinct circular 
dusky spot covering the last three joints. 


Fig. 1. 


IMMATURE STAGES OF CHINCH Buc. —a, b, eggs; c, newly-hatched larva; d, its tarsus; e, larva after 
first molt; f, same after second molt; g, pupa—the natural sizes indicated at sides ; hk, enlarged leg of 
perfect bug; j, tarsus of same still more enlarged ; i, proboscis or beak, enlarged.—[ After Riley. ] 


Pupa.—(Fig. 1,9.) In the pupa the coriaceous parts are brown-black, the wing- 
pads extend almost across the two pale abdominal joints which are now more dingy, 
while the general color of the abdomen is dingy gray; the body above is slightly 
pubescent, the members are colored as inthe mature bug; the three-jointed tarsus is 
foreshadowed, and the dark horny spots at tip of abdomen, both above and below, 
are larger. ; ; 
Imago.—(Fig. 2.) The perfect insect has been well described 
[Fic. 2.] and I will append the original description: 

Lygaeus leucopterus (Chinch Bug). Blackish; hemelytra 
white, with a black spot. 

Inhabits Virginia. 

Body long, blackish, with numerous hairs. Antenne, 
rather short hairs; second joint yellowish, longer than the 
third; ultimate joint rather longer than the second, thickest; 
thorax tinged cinereous before, with the basal edge piceous; 
hemelytra white, with a blackish ovalspot on the lateral mid- 
dle; rostrum and feet honey yellow; thighs a little dilated. 

Length less than three-twentieths of an inch. 

I took a single specimen on the eastern shore of Virginia. 
t The whiteness of the hemelytra, in which is a blackish 

spot strongly contrasted distinguishes this species readily 
Onmouye; Haltineyn (Say, Am. Entomology, I, p. 929), et 

ral size. [After Riley.] | The above description originally appeared in 1832 in a pam- 

phlet entitled ‘“‘Descriptions of new species of Heteropterous 


Hemiptera of N, A.” 


THE CHINCH BUG. 15 


Length 1} lines, of three-twentieths of an inch. Body black, clothed with a very 
fine grayish down, not distinctly visible to the naked eye; basal joint of the antenne 
honey yellow ; second joint of the same tipped with black; third and fourth joints, 
black ; beak brown; wings and wing-cases white; the latter are black at their in- 
sertion, and have near the middle two short irregular black lines, and a conspicuous 
black marginal spot; legs dark honey yellow, terminal joint of the feet, and the 
claws black. (Dr. Wm. LeBaron in the Prairie Farmer for September, 1850, Vol. X, 
pp. 280, 281, where the name of Rhyparochromus devastator is proposed for it.) 


Dr. Fitch also enumerates the following varieties of this insect : as 


a, immarginatus.—Basal margin of the thorax not edged with yellowish. Common. 

b, dimidiatus.—Basal half of the thorax deep velvety black, anterior half grayish. 
Comn on. 

c, fulvivenosus.—The stripes on the wing-covers tawny yellow instead of black. 

d, albivenosus.—Wing-covers white, without any black marks except the marginal 
spot. A male. 

e, apterus.—Wingless and the wing-covers much shorter than the abdomen. (Fig.3.) 

f, basalis.—Basal joint of the antenne dusky and darker 
than the second. (Fic. 3.] 

g, nigricornis.—T wo first joints of the antenne blackish. 

h, femoratus.—Legs pale livid yellow, the thighs tawny red. 
Common. 

i, rufipedis.—Legs dark tawny red or reddish brown. 

To these varieties, all of which occur with us, I would 
add one which may be known as melanosus, in which the 
normal white of the wings is quite dusky, and contains addi- 
tional black marks at base and toward tip, and in which all 
the members and the body except the rufous hind edge of 
thorax are jet black. 


In addition te these varieties mentioned by Dr. 
Riley, an interesting form has been collected by Mr. 
E. A. Schwarz at Lake Worth, Fla., and by Mr. O. Shemp ingen, Caiey 
Heidemann at Fortress Monroe, Va. This variety 
is at once distinguished from other short-winged varieties by its more 
slender and pointed wing-pads, and by the color of the antenne, the first 
three joints of which are honey yellow, while the last joint or club is 
nearly black. It seems also to be more thickly clothed with silvery 
pile, but this is probably due to the fact that the specimens studied were 
mounted dry, while all others which I have seen have evidently been 
placed in alcohol. This variety, so far as we know, has been collected 
on the sea-shore only. 


: NUMBER OF BROODS AND HIBERNATION. 


For many years there existed a misconception concerning the number 
of broods of insects in the West. It was always understood that there 
was more than one brood, and some newspaper writers insisted that 
there are as many as five or sixannual generations. Professor Riley, in 
the Practical Entomologist, Vol. I (March 26, 1866), was first to publish 
the definite statement that the Chinch Bug is two-brooded in northern 
Illinois, and Dr. Shimer the succeeding year published the same state- 


16 THE CHINCH BUG. 


ment from his own observations. This number of annual generations 
holds through the entire northwest and as far south, certainly, as the 
latitude of Saint Louis. Thomas states that there is some evidence of an 
occasional third brood in the extreme southern part of Illinois and in 
Kentucky, but that itis not sufficient to justify him in stating it as a 
fact, or to satisfy him of its correctness. In North Carolina there seems 
no question but that the second generation gave birth to still a third, 
which, as we are informed by Professor Atkinson of Chapel Hill, was 
found in a half-grown condition on Crab-grass about the 1st of Octo- 
ber. November 17 most of the specimens found in the same locations 
were full-grown. This third generation probably hibernates in the adult 
condition. ; 

The Chinch Bug passes the winter in the perfect state. As cold 
weather approaches, most of the full-grown bugs leave the hardened 
corn-stalks or wild grasses upon which they have been attempting to 
feed, and seek some convenient shelter in which to pass the winter. They 
collect in fence cracks, in sheds, hay stacks, straw stacks, corn-shucks, 
under leaves, mulching, and rubbish of all kinds upon the ground, under 
the loose bark of adjacent trees, in stumps and logs, under stones and 
clods of earth, in fact in any situation which will offer shelter. They 
seem to prefer dry situations. Bunches of old dead grass and weeds offer 
them a particularly attractive place for hibernation. Professor Atkin- 
son writes us that the Crab-grass in North Carolina not only affords the 
bugs sustenance after the corn-stalks harden, but also gives them shel- 
ter for the winter, as they work their way down between the leaf-sheath 
and the stalk. Mr. J.O. Alwood writes us from Columbus, Ohio, that, 
October 26, 1887, he observed them lying torpid within the leaf-sheaths 
of an uncut field of Pearl Millet. During cold weather they remain tor- 
pid. On a warm, sunshiny day they will stretch their legs and begin 
to move about to a slight extent; but as the cold becomes severe they 
press back deeper into their hiding places. They can withstand the 
severest cold, and in fact, as with so many other hibernating insects, 
the more sustained the cold weather the more the insects winter 
successfully. An instance is related by a reliable correspondent of 
Dr. Thomas’ in which the bugs frozen into ice were thawed and 
when warm manifested signs of life, crawling about as in the spring. 
Dr. Shimer’s observations upon this point are sufficiently interesting to 
quote: 

After the early autumn frosts they left their feeding-grounds on foot in search of 
winter quarters ; none could be seen on the wing as at harvest time. For a winter 
retreat they resorted to any convenient shelter they might chance to find, as long 
grass, weeds, boards, pieces of wood, rails, fallen-tree leaves, ete. 

In January, 1865, I next examined their condition. Those that I found in the 
sheaths of the corn-leaves above the snow, and had been thus exposed during the pre- 


vious severe weather—when for several days the thermometer was 15° to 20° below 
zero—were invariably found dead without exception, and those beneath the snow 


THE CHINCH BUG. 17 


were alive. This observation was made in the common farm corn-fields, as they 
might be found anywhere all over the wide country, for in autumn the chinch bugs 
remained in great numbers in the corn-husks and under the sheaths of the blades as 
wellas in other winter retreats. Upon various occasions, as the winter advanced, I 
brought in corn-husks filled with ice, inclosing the chinch bugs in the crystallized 
element; when the ice was thawed they were able to run, apparently unaffected by 
that degree of cold. Itis therefore proved that these insects possess vitality suffi- 
cient to withstand the effect of a temperature below the freezing-point, and perhaps 
below zero, as must have been their condition in these ice-bound husks; but when in 
the open air, exposed to the sweeping prairie winds, 15° to 20° degrees below zero, 
for a long time, they succumb to the cold.. 

March 7, 1865, the snow having cleared off from the ground, I examined the condi- 
tion of a host of these chinch bugs that had chosen for their winter covering cord- 
wood sticks lying on the ground, entirely surrounded by frost and ice ; of these 20 per 
cent. were living; those that were more fortunate in their selection of winter quarters 
fared much better. From a single handful of leaves picked up at one grasp from be- 
neath an appie tree I obtained 335 living and 312 dead chinch bugs; and of their lady- 
bird enemies that had entered the same winter quarters with them, 50 were living 
and 10 dead. Of these chinch bugs I placed a number in comfortable quarters in the 
house in a small pasteboard box, not in a stove room, together with some coleopterous 
insects casually gathered among the chinch bugs; after one month I found the latter 
all dead and the former living. 

The entire month of March was rain, snow, thawing, freezing, alternately, seeming 
to be very uncomfortable for any living creature to remain out of doors with so poor 
a shelter and on top of the ground. 

April 1-6, I again made repeated examinations of these chinch bugs in their winter 
quarters, and found about the same proportions of them living as noted on the 7th 
of March. At this time they wandered away on foot from their winter quarters. 


Mr. G. A. Waters, in the Farmers’ Review for October 19, 1887, gives. 
the following interesting observation bearing on the same point: 

In 1881-82 I observed a bunch of fodder that had fallen into a ditch that the heavy 
rains had washed near by a shock. The fodder had been overflowed with water,, 
which had stood over the fodder long enough for a sheet of ice to form over it. The 
water subsiding in a few days and some thaw occurring, I pulled the stalks out 
of the mud to get the ears of corn off, and in husking the ears found quite a number 
of chinch bugs which had been immersed for a week or more. On exposing them to- 
the warm sun they crawled around lively. 


Where they are hibernating in numbers they can often be detected 
more readily by their strong “ bed-buggy” odor than by sight, as was 
pointed out by Dr. Riley. Dr. Lintner, in October, 1883, found this 
method of searching for them more convenient and infallible than look- 
ing for them. 

Mr. Bruner calls our attention to the fact that the Osage and other 
brushy hedges in the West are great collectors of leaves and trash 
blown there by winds, and that they form exceptionally good hibernat- 
ing places for the Chinch Bugs, which take advantage of them in great 
numbers. So great a nuisance are the hedges from this point of view, 
that Mr. Bruner seriously advocates their gradual removal and the sub- 
stitution of a less compact division between fields. 

12734—Bull. 17 2 


18 THE CHINCH BUG. 
HABITS. 


With the warm days of spring the hibernating individuals issue from 

their winter quarters and copulate. Dr. Shimer has described a love- 
flight which he noticed at this time. The date was May 16, 1865, and 
the atmosphere was swarming with Chinch Bugs on the wing. As 
shown by Walsh and Riley (Am. Ent., I, 173) it is probable that this 
occurrence was exceptional, and that the insects do not normally mate 
in this way; that the swarming flight was the result of a great abun- 
dance of the insects. The insect flies in spring and fall, and also some- 
what in late July and early August, as the first brood becomes winged. 
In the fall they attain wings as the corn hardens, and their flight is 
then the result of a starvation impulse. In July and August the flight 
of the fledged individuals of the first brood is not yery common, except 
when they occur in exceptionally great numbers. During the past sea- 
son Professor Osborn observed them coupling at Ames prior to July 
‘25, while upon this date he observed them swarming in the air, flying 
past his window in immense numbers and with the wind (southeast to 
northwest). They were first noticed shortly after 1 p.m. July 27 
they were again noticed on the wing, but not in such great numbers as 
before. They were flying with the wind, from northwest to southeast. 
August 3 hosts of them were observed on the wing, while others were 
coupling on the ground. Others were observed coupling as late as 
August 16. The majority of the hibernating individuals seem, from 
the evidence, to copulate in the spring and without flying, but, accord- 
ing to Professor Riley, many of them make love in the fall preparatory 
to seeking winter quarters, and Mr. James O. Alwood, of Columbus, 
Ohio, writes that he found them copulating in a ficld of uneut Pearl 
Millet at the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station as late as October 
27, 1887. 

The eggs of the Chinch Bug, which we have already described, and 
which are figured at Fig. 1, a, b, are laid in the spring for the first 
brood, and usually underground and upon the roots of plants infested. 
They are, however, often found above ground upon the withered 
sheaths near the bases of the grain stalks or often upon the blades of 
theleaves. They are deposited in small clusters. Professor Riley says: 

A wheat plant pulled from an infested field in the spring of the year will gener- 
ally reveal hundreds of these eggs attached to the roots, and at a somewhat later 
period the yonng larvx will be found clustering on the same and looking like so many 
moving atoms. 

The eggs are not specially small when we consider the small size of 
the female which lays them. Dr. Shimer says that each female lays 500, 
and this seems very large until we reflect that they are not all deposited 
at once, and that after the laying of the first few others are probably 
developing in the ovaries, for the process of oviposition occupies from 
ten days to three weeks. It has long been known that the eggs were laid 
in the ground, although an accurate description was much more recently 


THE CHINCH BUG. 19 


drawn up. The relative abundance of the eggs upon the stalks and 
upon the roots may be changed somewhat, as Dr. Thomas has pointed 
out, by the character of the soil. Where the soil is very damp the 
majority of the eggs are doubtless laid upon the stalks, whereas if the 
earth is dry and easily penetrated the great majority of them will 
be found upon the rootlets and upon the stalks beneath the ground. 
According to Professor Riley the eggs hatch on the average in two 
weeks. The young larve begin to take nourishment as soon as possi- 
ble after hatching. They insert their beaks sometimes even before they 
emerge from the earth, but more often crawl up the stalk before be- 
ginning to pump. They growl with considerable rapidity and swarm 
over the stalk upon which they were born, walking about with ease 
and wandering from one stalk to another if occasion demands. As we 
have already shown, four molts are undergone before the insect reaches 
the perfect state, and generally from five to seven weeks elapse from 
thehatching tothe final molt. Dr. Shimer’s repeated observations show 
that at Mount Carrcll, [lL., the imago usually appears in from fifty- 
seven to sixty days after the laying of the eggs, and about forty-two days 
from the hatching of the larve. By the time the majority of theinsects 
of this first generation are full-grown, or even before, the wheat has 
become too hard to offer them much nourishment, or harvest time has 
arrived, and they begin to migrate in search of food. Neighboring corn- 
fields offer a more tempting diet, and in seasons of great abundance 
they march in numerous colonies, moving by a common impulse from the 
wheat to the corn. Strange to say, although the commoner form pos- 
sesses wings the insect does not generally take flight, but prefers to walk 
along the ground. Occasionally, however, at this time they take wings 
and scatter. This, however, is rarer when the insects are plentiful than 
when they are comparatively scarce. Under no circumstances will 
these insects take flight to escape danger. Dr. Shimer says: 

No threatening danger, however imminent, whether of being driven over by grain- 
reapers, wagons, or of being trodden under foot, will prompt it to use its wings to es- 
cape. I have tried all imaginable ways to induce them to fly, as by thrashing among 
them with bundles of rods or grass, by gathering them up and letting them fall from 
a height, etc., but they invariably refused entirely to use their wings in escaping from 

danger. : 

The migration takes place often, and, according to some authors, 
usually before the majority of the brood have attained full growth. 
There are always many immature individuals among a large host, and 
often the army is composed almost entirely of such. In fact, at these 
times there is apt to be a general confusion of so-called larva, pupe, 
and adults, owing to the fact that some hibernating females oviposit 
much in advance of others and to the other fact, previously mentioned, 
that a single female takes several days or even weeks to lay all of her 
eggs. Professor Forbes records egg-laying presumably by hibernating 
individuals from the last week in May (at Decatur) until the last week in 
June (at Warsaw), thus making certain individuals of the first brood one 


20 THE CHINCH BUG. 


month later in development’ than others, in two localities not far distant 
(140 miles) and of about the same latitude. There are many accounts 
in print which are almost incredible tales of the size of these migrating 
hordes, and yet they are probably only too true. 

Dr. Thomas states that the migration upon foot seldom exceeds 80 
rods, but the winged individuals fly to much greater distances. In- 
stance was given in the Farmers’ Review for August 17, 1887, where a 
little patch of sweet corn grown in the midst of pine woods in northern 
Wisconsin, 8 miles from a cultivated crop of any kind, was badly in- 
fested with the Chinch Bug. This appearance of the bugs probably re- 
sulted from the flight thereto of mature individuals. 

It naturally results from the wide difference in the method of growth 
of the crops that the Chinch Bugs after migrating from wheat to corn 
appear to be much more numerous upon the latter crop than they were 
upon the former, in spite of the great numbers usually killed in the act 
of migrating; for a single stalk of corn will be obliged to support the 
Chinch Bugs from a great many stalks of wheat. Moreover, the bugs 
swarm upon the first few rows and destroy them before invading the 
entire field generally. The outer rows, of course, under these circum- 
stances are often black with bugs. The pupze work their way down 
between the leaves and the stalks and there cast their skins and issue 
as adult insects. The leaf sheath is often thus completely filled with 
exuvie. The eggs for the second brood are also often if not usually - 
deposited in this same situation—behind the sheaths of the lower 
leaves—and on hatching the young bugs remain there feeding and 
growing, and casting skins, sometimes even until the advent of cold 
weather and their consequent winter torpor. Others issue from these 
sheaths, particularly when they are especially abundant, or failing to 
find satisfactory locations on the outer rows take wings and fly to the 
center of the field and become generally scattered. They feed upon the 
Corn or Rye as the case may be, and upon the surrounding grasses or in 
the fields of Millet or Hungarian grass until the approach of fall, by 
which time nearly all are once more full-grown. Mr. Webster observed 
them at Lafayette, Ind.,in August, 1887, forcing themselves down into cut 
stubble of Setaria glauca for the purpose of undergoing the last molt. 
He counted upwards of twenty in a single stalk. Wemay mention in 
this connection, as reported to us by Prof. Osborn and also as published 
in the Country Gentleman for August 25, 1877, that President Cham- 
berlain, of the lowa Agricultural College, dug a single root of Hungarian 
grass at Ames, Lowa, the first week in August upon which were counted 
3,025 bugs. Harth was removed with the root to the depth of 3 inches. 
(1 inch surface), in all about 4 cubic inches. 

In the north the majority of them are ready to hibernate by the time 
the field corn is harvested. Farther south, however, the corn grows 
too hard for them and considerable time before the weather is cold 
enough to compel them to seek winter shelter. In North Carolina, as 


THE CHINCH BUG. 2 


we have already shown, a third brood has appeared by the time the 
corn becomes hard, and the bugs seek the Crab-grass and there feed 
until ready for hibernation, finding in this grass, moreover, good shelter 
for the winter. 

The general statements here given apply to the average Chinch Bug 
year in Illinois, Missouri, and the surrounding States, as the articles 
from which we have drawn our main facts are the results of observa- 
tions made in these States. The life-history and habits of the species 
undoubtedly differ considerably in the more southern States, where, 
however, it seldom does much damage. It is very doubtful, however, 
that the habits differ so greatly as to admit of the correctness of the 
statement quoted by Fitch from the Southern Planter (XV, 269), that 
the eggs are laid in the ground in autumn where they remain through 
the winter and until the warmth of the ground the following year 
causes them to hatch! This great error (at least for the West and 
North) is unfortunately perpetuated by Dr. Lintner in his second re- 
port as State entomologist of New York, p. 153. There seems, in fact, 
every reason to suppose that this was simply a guess on the part of the 
editor of the Southern Planter without the slightest observation to 
substantiate it. At our request, Professor Atkinson examined a num- 
ber of females found near Chapel Hill, N. C., in November, but found 
no evidence of mature eggs. He also searched carefully for deposited 
eggs with, of course, negative results. He states that Mr. Thomas S. 
Weaver, of Chapel Hill, has observed the bugs for the past ten years 
and states that they never oviposit in autumn. 

In exceptional seasons and under exceptional conditions the life-his- 
tory and habits will vary considerably even in the localities referred to; 
for example, in 1882, according to Professor Forbes’s first Illinois report, 
there was evidently in some parts of the State but one brood,and the 
first young bugs were not seen before July 10. The eggs of the first 
brood were in some localities this season laid upon corn. 


NATURAL ENEMIES AND DISEASES. 


INSECT ENEMIES.—No true internal insect parasites of the Chinch Bug 
have yet been found. In fact very few of these smaller Heteroptera are 
parasitized except in the egg state. The minute Proctotrupide belong- 
ing to Teleas and Telenomus infest the eggs of allied species and may 
ultimately be found to attack the eggs of the Chinch Bug. Outside of 
these genera, however, we can hardly expect any aid from parasitic in- 
sects. In this connection, although it does not strictly come under this 
head, we may mention that in 1885 Mr. Webster found a species of Mer- 
mis (‘‘hair-snakes”) among the dried moltings and dead bodies of certain 
Chinch Bugs in a stalk of Setaria, which gives rise to a strong proba- 
bility that one of these creatures will be found to infest the bug. Many 
predaceous insects destroy them, although their disgusting odor is prob- 
ably more or less a protection. 


22 THE CHINCH BUG. 


Mr. Walsh in 1861 mentioned four Ladybirds, viz, the Spotted Ladybird 
(Hippodamia maculata, Fig. 4), the Trim Ladybird (Coccinella munda, 
now called Cycloneda sanguinea, Fig. 5), and two species of Scymnus. In 


[Fig. 5.] 


SPOTTED LADYBIRD. Trim LADYBIRD. 


1882 Prof. Forbes found five species of Ladybirds (including the first 
two mentioned by Walsh) extremely abundant on corn (15 or 20 to a 
hill) which was infested by hosts of Chinch Bugs. .The contents of the 
stomachs of a few specimens of each were examined with the following 
results: In three specimens of Hippodamia maculata no traces of Chinch 
Bugs were found, the food consisting of the spores of lichens, the pollen 
of Rag-weed, and traces of Plant-lice. One-third of the food of Hippo- 
damia convergens (5 specimens examined) consisted of equal parts of 
Chinch Bugs and Plant-lice. In 4 specimens of Hippodamia glacialis 8 
per cent. of the food was found to be Chinch Bugs, 18 per cent. Plant- 
lice, and the rest vegetation. <A single specimen of Coccinella 9-notata 
had eaten no insect food. Three specimens of Cycloneda sanguinea had 
eaten some Plant-lice, but no Chinch Bugs. From these observations 
Professor Forbes concludes that it is possible that the Ladybirds were 
attracted “rather by the stores of fungi in the field than by the Chinch 
Bugs and Plant-lice.” 

The Weeping Lace-winged Fly (Chrysopa plorabunda, Fitch) described 
originally by Dr. Shimer as Chr. Illinoiensis, has been found by Dr. 
Shimer to destroy the Chinch Bug. Professor Riley records the fact that 
the Insidious Flower Bug (Triphleps insidiosus, Say., Fig. 6), an insect 


[Fig. 6.] [Fig. 7.] 


Insibious FLOweEr-Buc. [After Riley.] MANY-BANDED Rosper. [ After Riley.] 


which is often found in company with the Chinch Bug and which has 
been mistaken for it, in reality feeds upon the pest. This is the insect 
which was sent to Dr. Fitch as a Chinch Bug, and which he described 
as Anthocoris pseudochinche in his second report. Professor Riley also 


THE CHINCH BUG. 23 


records the fact that he has observed the Many-banded Robber (Milyas 
cinctus, Fab., Fig. 7) in the act of preying upon the Chinch Bug, and Dr. 
Thomas considers this insect the most efficient of the insect enemies of 
the pest. 

Two of Professor Riley’s correspondents in 1874 stated that ants de- 
stroyed the eggs of the Chinch Bug, but the observation lacks scientific 
confirmation. Professor Forbes in 1882 observed a small ant (Lasius 
flavus) in extraordinary numbers in fields of Broom-corn and Sorghum, 
and both he and the farmer, whom he does not mention by name, made 
each an independent observation upon an ant which was carrying off a 
Chinch Bug in its jaws, but repeated dissections of ants found in such 
fields failed to show that they had fed on the bugs. 

Professor Forbes in his 1882 report adds to the list of observed insect- 
enemies a common Ground-beetle—Agonoderus pallipes (Comma) Fabr.— 
of which, upon dissection, one-fifth of the total food was found to be 
Chinch Bugs. This is the insect figured upon Plate 1 of Bulletin 12 of 
the Division of Entomology and whichis there stated to destroy seed 
corn in the ground, so that its beneficial qualities are offset by its inju- 
rious tendencies. 

The evidence of Dr. Shimer, Dr. Walsh, and others, is quite sufficient 
to establish the fact that the Lady-birds and the Lace-winged Fly men- 
tioned will feed upon the Chinch Bug, and Dr. Shimer’s evidence in favor 
of the latter insect is particularly strong. His testimony as to the great 
abundance of the Lady-birds upon corn infested by Chinch Bugs is of 
course only presumptive evidence of their good work in destroying this 
insect. Itis unquestionable, however, that the Lady-birds prefer Plant- 
lice to the Chinch Bugs; and in at least one instance which has been re- 
ported to us, when the Lady-birds were present upon corn in considerable 
numbers, and when this crop was infested by the Chinch Bug, a careful 
study by the observer (Mr. Lawrence Bruner) showed that the Corn 
Aphis was also present, and that the Lady-birds were feeding upon these 
latter, and did not, so far as he could see, touch the Chinch Bugs. Pro- 
fessor Forbes’ stomach examinations previously mentioned also tend to 
cast discredit upon the Lady-birds as Chinch Bug destroyers. 

VERTEBRATE ENEMIES.—Professor Riley published many years ago 
in the Prairie Farmer the fact that the common Quail, or Bob White 
(Colinus virginianus), was a most efficient destroyer of the Chinch Bug, 
and this fact has since been contirmed by other writers. Dr. Riley says: 


In the winter time when hard pushed for food they must devour enormous numbers 
of the little pests which winter in just such situations as are frequented by the quail, 
and this bird should be protected from the gun of the sportsman in every State where 
the Chinch Bug is known to run riot. 


We may add the corroborative evidence of Mr. Bruner, who combines 
the knowledge of an entomologist with that of an ornithologist: 


Protect the birds, and above all the quails, for they destroy countless numbers of 
hibernating insects of various kinds that are to be picked up about the hedges and 
such like resorts frequented by these birds throughout the winter. Although be- 


24 THE CHINCH BUG. 


longing to the gramnivorous birds the quail is essentially insectivorous; except in in- 
clement weather, when insects are not easily obtained. In my profession as taxider- 
mist I have dissected many different species of birds in the crops of which were con- 
tained injurious insects of various kinds—the chinch bug among others. In no other 
instance do I remember of the presence of this insect in the crop of a bird in so great 
numbers as in thatofthe quail. Asa rule but few birds, mammals, reptiles, or rapac- 
ious insects seem to relish any of the odoriferous members of the Hemiptera or true 
bugs. In winter, however, thisrepuguance is partially overcome, and now and then 
even a chinch bug seems a delicate morsel when ‘‘ meat” is scarce. 

The Prairie Chicken, the Red-winged Black-bird, and other birds have 
been reported as feeding upon the Chinch Bug, and Professor Forbes 
mentions the fact that one Cat-bird, three Brown Thrushes, and one 
Meadow Lark were found in 1880 to have eaten these insects “ in barely 
sufficient number to show that the birds have no unconquerable prej- 
udice against them. A single House-wren, shot in 1882, had also eaten 
afew Chinch Bugs.” Dr. Thomas states that the common frog, accord- 
ing to Professor’ Ross and others, consumes a large number of the bugs: 

Professor Ross goes so far as to express the belief that the destruction of these ani- 
mals by draining their natural haunts is one reason why the chinch bug is enabled to 
multiply as it does in some seasons. 

No account of an injurious insect is complete without an enumeration 
of its natural enemies and hence this summary has been given. It is 
plain, however, that the foes of the Chinch Bug are neither so numerous 
nor So active in its pursuit as are those of most injurious insects. A1l- 
most the solitary exception seems from the evidence to be the common 
Quail, and on this account the following short table has been compiled. 
It illustrates the months in which the shooting of quails is allowed in the 
States in which the Chinch Bug becomes or may become injurious, and 
it shows that while these birds are in the main tolerably well protected, 
certain of the States which suffer most from the Chinch Bug might 
with profit follow the example of Colorado or Dakota and protect the 
Quail altogether for a series of years. 

New York.—Shooting of quails allowed from November 1 to Janu- 
ary 1. . 

Maryland.—Shooting of quails allowed from November 1 to Decem- 
ber 24. There are, however, in this State, local county laws, some of 
which ajlow the shooting as early as October 1. 

Virginia.—Shooting of quails allowed west of the Blue Ridge October 
15 to January 1, except in Rockbridge County, where it is allowed from 
October 15 to January 15; elsewhere October 15 to January 15. 

Texas.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 1 to April 1. 

Georgia.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 15 to April 1. 

Wisconsin.—Shooting of quails allowed from November 1 to Decem- 
ber 1. Trapping prohibited. 

Michigan.—Shooting of quails allowed from November 1 to January 1. 
No trapping or snarin g allowed for market. 

Pennsylvania. —Shooting of quails allowed from October 15 to Jan- 
uary 1. . 


THE CHINCH BUG. 25 


Tennessee.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 1 to April 1 in 
Rutherford, Shelby, Tipton, and Fayette Counties; September 1 to Feb- 
ruary 1, in Robertson, Davidson, Lincoln, and Maury Counties; Septem- 
ber 15 to March 1, in Montgomery and Cheatham Counties. 

Missouri.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 15 to February 1. 
Trapping prohibited except by owner of premises. 

Delaware.—Shooting of quails allowed from November 15 to Jan- 
uary 1. 

North Carolina.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 15 to April 
1, except in counties of Clay, Cherokee, Graham, Henderson, Jackson, 
Macon, Transylvania, Tyrrell, Johnston, Jones, Ware, Onslow, Carter- 
ret, and Columbus, in which they are not protected. In Currituck 
County, December 1 to April 1. 

Jowa.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 1 to January 1. No 
more than twenty-five quails to be killed in any one day by any one 
person. 

Dakota.—Quails protected absolutely to. 1890. 

Illinois.—Shooting of quails allowed from November 1 to January 1. 
Snaring and trapping forbidden. 

Ohio.—Shooting of quails allowed from November 10 to January 1. 
Snaring and trapping forbidden. In Fulton County quails protected 
to November 1, 1890. 

Nebraska.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 1 to January 1. 
Snaring and trapping forbidden. 

Indiana.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 15 to Decem- 
ber 20. 

Minnesota.—Shooting of quails allowed from September 1 to Decem- 
ber 1. Trapping prohibited. 

District of Columbia.—Shooting of quails allowed from November 1 
to February 1. Trapping prohibited. 

South Carolina.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 1 to Mareh 15. 

Montana.—Shooting of quails allowed from August 15 to November 15. 

Arkansas.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 1 to March 1. 

Colorado.—Quails protected at all times. 

West Virginia.—Shooting of quails allowed from October 15 to Jan- 
uary 1. Snaring prohibited. 

Kentucky.—Shooting of quailsallowed from October 15 to February 1. 

Idaho.—Quails protected until September 1, 1887. (Present status 
of law unknown.) 

New Mexico.—Shooting of quails allowed from September 1 to May 1. 

Kansas.—Shooting of quails allowed from November 1 to January 1. 

This compilation is drawn up in the main from an extended abstract 
of the State laws, published in the American Field for August 20, 1887, 
Vol. XXVIII, No. 8. 


DISEASES.—The Chinch Bug has long been known to be subject to a 
so-called bacterial disease, which occasionally kills it off. Dr. Shimer, 


26 THE CHINCH BUG. 


in his long article in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences 
of Philadelphia, gives the following account of his observations upon 
this disease in 1865. (Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences 
of Philadelphia for 1867.) 


July 16.—A farmer four miles from here informed me that a black coleopterous in- 
sect was destroying the chinch bugs on his farm very rapidly, and, although I found 
his supposition to be an error, yet I found many dying on the low creek-bottom land 
from the effects of some disease, while they are yet in the larve state—a remarkable 
and rare phenomenon forinsects thus in such a wholesale manner to be dying without 
attaining their maturity, and no insect enemy or other efficient cause to be observed 
capable of producing this important result. * * * 

On the low grounds the young chinch bugs are all dead from the disease above al- 
luded to, and the same disease is spreading rapidly on the hills and high prairies. 

The weather has been very wet since the first of July, and the barley above al- 
luded to, which I plowed beneath the ground, did not die, but assumed a yellow, 
sickly appearance; in its shady, compressed, unnatural position, the ends of the 
heads project from beneath the furrows. The chinch bugs also remained alive for a 
time, but feeding on the sickly grain and shaded from the sunlight—what little we 
had—were attacked by disease in the same manner and about the same time as those 
on the low creek-bottom lands, meeting very rapidly the same fate, so that very few 
of them ever found their way to the neighboring corn. 

July 28.—In the fields where sixty days ago I saw plenty of eggs, and forty-two days 
ago an abundance of young chinch bugs, the imago are beginning to develop quite 
plentifully. Great numbers, in all stages of their development, are dying of the pre- 
vailing disease. 

August 8.—The majority of the chinch bugs yet alive are in the imago state, but they 
are being rapidly destroyed by the prevailing epidemic disease, more fatal to them 
than the plague of Asiatic cholera ever was to man, more fatal than any recorded 
disease among men or animals since time began. Scarcely one in a thousand of the 
vast hosts of young bugs observed at the middle of June yet remain alive, but plenty 
of dead ones may be seen everywhere, lying on the ground, covered with the common 
mold of decomposing animal matter, and nothing else, even when examined by the 
microscope. Even of those that migrated to corn-fields a few weeks ago, in such 
numbers as to cover the lower half of the corn-stalks, very few are to be found re- 
maining alive; but the ground around the base of the corn-hills is almost literally 
covered with their moldering, decomposing dead bodies. This is a matter so common 
as to be observed and often spoken of by farmers. They are dead everywhere, not 
lying on the ground alone, but sticking to the blades and stalks of corn in great 
numbers, in ali stages of their development, larva, pupa, and imago. 

August 22.—It is almost impossible to find even a few cabinet specimens of chinch 
bugs alive, so that I am quite sorry that I did not secure a large supply of specimens 
while they were so numerous in former years; for it really appears quite probable 
that even cabinet specimens will be hard to secure, whereby to remember the fallen 
race of the unnumbered millions of former years. 

September 13.—After a whole day’s searching inthe corn-fields, I have just been able 
to find two larve and a few imago chinch bugs, against the great numbers above al- 
luded to in the corn about this time last year. 


* * * * * * * 


It is generally believed among entomologists that insect enemies are the most effi- 
cient means in nature for exterminating noxious insects; but in this remarkable fact 
in the history of insects, the great epidemic of 1365 (there can be no doubt about 
this being an epidemic disease, because the insects died without attaining their ma- 
turity), we find a greater enemy, the greatest insect enemy ever recorded, a dreadful 
“plague,” that in afew days almost utterly annihilated a race of beings living in the 


THE CHINCH BUG. 27 


northern part of the valley of the Mississippi, outnumbering all the human beings 
that have ever lived on this planet since the morning of creation. 

This disease among the chinch bugs was associated with the long-continued wet, 
cloudy, cold weather that prevailed during a greater portion of the period of their 
development, and doubtless was in a measure produced by deficient light, heat, and 
electricity, combined with excessive humidity of the atmosphere, whereby an imper- 
fect physical (‘‘ bug”) organization was developed. The disease was atits maximum 
during the moist weather that followed the cold rains of June and the first part of 
July. The young chinch bug spent a great portion of its time on or near the ground, 
where its body was colder than the atmosphere; hence, upon philosophical principles, 
there must have been an excessive precipitation of watery vapor in the bronchial 
tubes. These are the facts in the case, but in the midst of the great obscurity that 
envelops epidemic diseases among men, it would be only idle speculation to attempt 
to define the cause more definitely than the physiological laws already observed seem 
to indicate. At all events it will require many years of warm, dry summers, and ac- 
companying winters of plenty of snow for protection, to reinstate the lost innumera- 
ble armies of this insect. 

During the summer of 1866 the chinch bugs were very scarce in all the early spring, 
and up to near the harvest I was not able, with the most diligent search, to tind one. 
At harvest I did succeed in finding a few in some localities. 


Professor Forbes took up the study of the Chinch Bug Disease in Au- 
gust, 1882, and has published several interesting accounts of his results. 
A short summary was publishe.l in his first report as State Entomolo- 
gist of Illinois, for the year 1882, of the long account of his studies and 
experiments, and itis in such shape that we reproduce it here: 


On the other hand, a much more important role is apparently played by certain ob- 
scure parasites, not previously detected. One of these is a minute bacterium (Micro- 
coccus insectorum, Burrill), infesting the alimentary canal, closely allied to the micro- 
coccus found in the stomach and intestines of silk-worms, and now known to cause 
some of the destructive diseases of that insect. From the fact that these parasites. 
were extremely abundant in specimens trom a field where the bugs were rapidly dying, 
while in those from adjacent fields there were relatively very few, it was considered 
probable that they were related to this destruction of the bugs. This conclusion was 
sup ported by the factthat they were more abundant in old bugs than in young, while 
the mortality referred to evidently also chiefly affected the older individuals. It was 
found easy to cultivate the bacterium artificially in organic infusions, but no oppor- 
tunity offered to apply it to healthy insects. Until this experiment is made and the 
effects carefully studied, it must remain possible that the coincidence noted was 
merely accidental, and of no particular significance. 

Another parasite discovered is similar to that well known as a common enemy of 
the house fly, and belongs to the same genus (Entomophthora). This attacks both old 
and young chinch bugs, and finally embeds their bodies ina mass of mold. There is 
some reason to believe that this was the active agent in an immense destruction of 
chinch bugs which occurred in Northern Illinois in 1866, as described by Dr. Shimer, 
of Mount Carroll. Evidence is adduced of the possibility of artificially cultivating 
this parasite also, and applying it to the destruction of insects. 


Since the publication of this report Professor Forbes has taken up 
the study of bacterial diseases of certain other insects, but there has 
been, so far as we are aware, no practical outcome as yet. The subject, 
however, has a rather hopeful look, although we should be inclined 
to expect more from the Micrococcus than from the Entomophthora. The 
evidence mentioned as to the possibility of artificially cultivating the 


28 THE CHINCH BUG. 


latter is chiefly a translation of a paper by Metschnikoff in the Zodlog- 
ischer Anzeiger for 1880, pp. 44-47 in which it is shown the Russian 
naturalist successfully induced the growth of the fungus, Jsaria de- 
structor, which had destroyed the celebrated Anisoplia Austriaca, a grain 
pest in Russia, in beer mash. Successful attempts were made to infest 
healthy larve with green spores taken from diseased larvee found in 
the fields, buf no mention is made of success, or even of experiment with 
the only practical substance—tbe beer-mash culture. 

Professor Riley has always doubted the possibility of any practical 
success in‘this direction, and has pointed out the difficulties in the way. 
(See American Naturalist, November, 1883, p. 1170.) 

In the introduction to the Fourth Report of the U. S. Entomological 
Commission (LX X XV) he makes use of the following language : 

In treating of the use of yeast ferment or other fungus germs we have used essen- 
tially the language of the first edition. Time has only served to confirm us in our 
opinion of their practical futility in the field. The question of the practical use of 
these micro-organisms—these disease germs—as insecticides is a very fascinating one, 
and is much written about just now ; but unfortunately it proves most alluring to 
those who have had the least practical experience in coping with injurious insects in 
the field, and is much more apt to assume importance to the closet theorists than to 
those who, from experience, are conscions of the difficulties involved in its applica- 
bility. 

It will also be apropos to quote Professor Forbes’ latest utterance 
upon this point. He says: 

Finally, the artificial cultivation of the germs of the contagious diseases of the chinch 
bug, with a view to spreading these diseases at will by means of such artificial cult- 
ure. This is a theoretical remedy only, and much additional study and experiment 
will be required to put it on a practical basis. 


WET WEATHER AND THE CHINCH BUG. 


The great preponderance of evidence favors the idea, now considered 
well established, that wet weather is inimicai to this insect. Dozens, 
we may almost say hundreds, of instances are on record in which the 
Chinch Bugs, after successfully hibernating in great numbers, have been 
rendered harmless by a wet spring, and in which, having laid their eggs 
and appeared again as the spring brood with greatly increased forces, 
a spell of rainy weather in early summer has caused them to vanish. 
Hence, it follows that dry seasons favor the increase of the pest; and 
careful observation convinced Riley and others that after a season of 
moderate abundance (presumably therefore not a wet season) the oceur- 
rence of the bugs in destructive numbers the next season depends al- 
most entirely upon the wetness or dryness of the ensuing spring. 

The exact method in which wet weather accomplishes the destruction 
of the insect is a somewhat disputed point. That it is not actual sub- 
mergence was pointed out by Professor Riley in his second Missouri 
report, and still further proven by an observation made by Hon. Will- 
iam McAdams and reported by Professor Forbes in his first report as 


THE CHINCH BUG. 29 


State entomologist of Illinois, and which is sufficiently interesting to 
quote: 


In his vicinity, in Jersey County (Ills.), they (the chinch bugs) were extremely 
abundant in the grain early in the spring, but were all apparently swept out of the 
country by a long and violent storm. Some days afterwards, when the water had 
subsided, he noticed in pulling over the drift-wood in the river bottoms immense 
numbers of chinch bugs among the rubbish, most of them still alive and crawling 
about. 


Professor Forbes also concludes that simple exposure to moisture 
hardly bas the effect attributed to rain from experiments which he made 
as follows : 

A number of hills infested by the bugs were successfully transplanted to boxes and 
variously treated with water for ten days. Some selected examples were thoroughly 
drenched every day, both ground and stalks; in other boxes only the ground was 
watered ; in still others the corn was sprinkled every day, but the ground protected 5, 
and the remainder were left with only sufficient attention to keep the corn alive. 
During the time for which these experiments were continued, no appreciable effect 
whatever was produced upon the bugs infesting the stalks. Those where the corn 
was watered were washed down upon the ground each time, but soon dried off and 
climbed up the stalk. At the end of this time the bugs under observation all com- 
menced to disappear indiscriminately, without reference to the mode in which the 
corn had been treated, and the experiment was thus abruptly closed. Enough was 
learned, however, to show that a succession of heavy daily showers for more than a 
week would have no appreciable effect upon these insects in that stage. The weather 
was warm and pleasant, and the conditions under which the experiments were carried 
on made it impossible to saturate the air. 


So general a conclusion it seems to us is hardly warrantable from the 
conditions under which the experiments were made. If ‘tthe weather 
was warm and pleasant, and the condition under which the experiments 
were carried on made it impossible to saturate the air,” the effect could 
hardly help but differ from that of a heavy shower in a corn-field, par- 
ticularly from that of ‘a succession of heavy daily showers for more 
than a week,” when there would be considerable cloudy weather and 
the atmosphere on the whole would be moist. 

Professor Riley mentioned the fact that the larve and pupx are more 
readily killed by the wet weather than the adult insects, but that the 
latter are also killed. 

Mr. Walsh (Am. Ent. I, 175, 1869) gives the emphasis of italics to the 
following sentence : 

In a hot, dry season chinch bugs are always the worst ; in a wet season it is im- 
possible for them to do any considerable amount of damage. 

Dr. Shimer (loc. cit.), in his account of the epidemic, argued that it was 
doubtless the indirect effect of the wet weather. Dr. Thomas (Bull. 5, 
U.S. E. C.) expressed the opinion that the wet weather gave rise to a 
minute fungus which is the direct cause of the death of the insect. 
Professor Forbes says: 


The phenomena connected with the action of parasites, which I have above de- 
scribed, were apparently independent of any appreciable general cause, as they were 
most manifest at a time when the weather had been warm, dry, and altogether un- 


30 THE CHINCH BUG. 


exceptionable for from one to two months. It is not unlikely, however, that wet 
weather may have the effect to stimulate the development of this parasite, either di- 
rectly or indirectly—a hypothesis which will reconcile all the facts now known, as 
well as the conflicting explanations of them which have been hitherto put forth. 


Assuming the dry weather abundance and wet weather searcity of the 
Chinch Bug to be proven, Dr. Thomas in 1880 published an elaborate 
article in which by a comparison of the rain-fall for forty years, with the 
destructive appearances of the insect for the same period, he not only 
established a definite relation between them, but upon an admittedly 
somewhat uncertain septennary periodicity of rain-fall advanced the fol- 
lowing practical conclusions : 


The first and very important practical fact revealed is that we may expect at 
most but two chinch bug years in every seven, with the strong probability, amount- 
ing almost to a certainty, that there will not be two in succession. As heretofore 
stated, two successive dry years are necessary in order to develop this species in ex- 
cessive numbers; the rain-fall records seldom show three dry years in succession, hence 
the chinch bugs are not likely to appear in injurious numbers in two successive years. 
The years 1854 and 1455 may, perhaps, form an exception to this rule. It is possible 
that the second brood of the first year may be sufficient to excite alarm, but experi- 
ence has shown that they do but little injury. We may, perhaps, with safety assume, 
as a general rule subject to occasional exceptions, that they will not appear more 
than once in excessive numbers during any of the septennary periods. 

If the facts shown in reference to periodicity in our rain-fall are confirmed by future 
investigations, and this periodicity shown to be a meteorological law of the area in- 
dicated, the practical advantage of this knowledge to our farmers is apparent to every 
one. By this knowledge they will be enabled to predict with a reasonable degree of 
certainty when to expect these insects, and can rotate their crops so as to suffer the 
least possible injury. This knowledge will also enable them to dispense with precau- 
tionary measures except in such years as are likely to be followed by the appearance 
of the bugs. 

Experience has shown, and farmers are now becoming fully aware of the fact, that 
spring wheat and corn are the crops that chiefly aid in sustaining and developing 
this pest. Why corn should aid in this respect is easily seen, as it is the only exten- 
sive crop on which the second brood can feed. But why spring wheat should aid 
more in developing them than winter wheat is not so easily explained, but that such 
is the fact must be admitted. It may possibly be accounted for on the presumption 
that the climate of the spring wheat region is more congenial to them than that of 
the winter wheat area. 

These facts, combined with a knowledge of the time when the dry seasons are to 
be expected, will enable the farmers to substitute other crops as far as possible in 
place of spring wheat and corn. Even if the conclusion in reference to periodicity in 
rain-fall should prove erroneous, the fact that two successive dry years are necessary 
to develop this species'in excessive numbers will suffice to give notice at least one 
season in advance and allow the farmers to adapt their crops to the circumstances. 
When a dry season comes and an examination shows that the bags are on the increase, 
winter wheat, wherever it is possible to do so, should be substituted for spring wheat ; 
and oats, as far as possible, for corn. 

The uncertainty in reference to temperature will, perhaps, always prevent us from 
predicting with certainty that a coming year will be marked by the appearance of 
these insects, but we may say with assurance that a wet year will not be followed by 
achinch-bug year. Although this is not all we desire to know in this respect, it is, 
nevertheless, a very important fact and may be used to manifest advantage by our 
agriculturists. 


THE CHINCH BUG. . oe 


It is proper to remark at this point that we have been speaking only of the rain- 
fall over the whole area designated and the general appearance of the chinch bug 
over the same area. 

That these insects have appeared even in injurious numbers in limited localities in 
intermediate years, or times different from those indicated as possible chinch-bug 
years, is certainly true. But, if the theory advanced is correct when applied to the 
area designated as a whole, it will probably prove true when applied to more limited 
localities. That is to say, if the meteorological record of a given locality within this 
area for a long series of years is examined, it will probably reveal the fact that there 
is a similar periodicity in the rainfall, though possibly not septennary. If this is 
found to be true, then the farmers of that locality will have a guide by which to ro- 
tate their crops and to take precautionary measures. 

_ It therefore becomes important for each section to keep a record at least of the rain- 
fall, for this will be of advantage, not only in counteracting the chinch bugs, but 
numerous other species, and if a periodicity is ascertained will enable the farmers to 
adapt their crops as far as possible to the wet or dry seasons. 


In the October (1880) number of the American Entomologist (Vol. 
III) Dr. Thomas published practically the same article as that above 
quoted and stated that the bugs would probably appear over the region 
indicated in 1881. He advised, in consequence, the sowing of large 
areas of oatsin 1881. Prof. Riley, in his Annual Report for 1881-’82 (p. 
87), mentioned this prediction and advice, and showed that the predic- 
tion was fulfilled in part, at least, by the occurrence of the bugs in de- 
structive numbers in several Western States. With regard to the adop- 
tion of Dr. Thomas’ advice, however, he pointed out the rather curious 
fact that Dr. Thomas’ own State (Illinois) was the only one of the large 
oat-producing States in which the acreage of this crop was not increased, 
but was somewhat diminished. Dr. Thomas in the letter of transmit- 
tal to his report for 1881 announced the fulfillment of his prediction 
and predicted immunity for 1882. Professor Riley (loc. cit.) showed that 
in spite of frequent rains in the spring of 1882, and in spite of the fact 
that 1881 was a Chinch Bug year, the bugs appeared in great numbers 
in parts of Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri in April and May, but that 
by June the reports were less alarming. The year as a whole was not 
marked by any extensive damage. 

Upon Dr. Thomas’ theory the year 1888 should not be a Chinch Bug 
year, and, while not desiring to encroach upon his prerogative as a 
seer, we are inclined to hold the same opinion concerning this season at 
least. 

Curiously enough, an anonymous writer (J.C. H.S., of Sedgwick 
County, Kans.) in the Prairie Farmer for June 10, 1882, commenting 
upon and criticising Dr. Thomas’ theory, himself predicts that 1887 
would be a year of drought and consequently aChinch Bug year—a much 
more daring prediction than Dr. Thomas cared to make, and which has 
yet been perfectly fulfilled. According to this writer’s somewhat arbi- 
trary system, 1894 will again bring a severe drought. 

We introduce here, as bearing upon the rain-fall influence in the in- 
teresting North Carolina locality, the following table of temperature and 


32 


rain-fall at Chapel Hill, compiled by Professor Atkinson. It will be 
noticed that while the total rain-fall in both 1886 and 1887 was greater 
than in 1885, that during September, October, and November, 1886, and 
March and April, 1887, was comparatively slight, and that during June 
and July, 1887, high temperature occurred with the comparatively 
heavy rain-fall. ‘ 


THE CHINCH BUG. 


Table of temperature and rain-fall for spring, summer, and autumn, at 
Chapel Hill, N. C., for the years 1885, 1886, and 1887. 


| : 2 2) 
| col Bele eeeae 
[The temperatureis expressed) ttn = g B 3 = 8 
in degrees Fahrenheit. | Set Wha eS z 2 = 2 = 2 ae 
Bis alfesdesioetl oh a Bilt Geral oes - | Stheeeneser 
Wee eV Fe fe ee ic re aime cites 2 = 
| — -* 
| ea | 
1885. 
Highest temperature ........ 15 94 90 | 94 100 | 94 92 8] 71 dees 
Lowest temperature......--. 15 31 40 63 61 57 46 | 35 PY bow \secece 
Mean temperature........---| 42.3 | 55.3 | 66.5 | 74.7 | 77.3 | 74.8 | 68 96/6) 5) 252.30 |peeeme 
Rain-fall (inches).......-....- 3.5 2.71) 4.34) 1.382 |) 3.95 | 1.98| 6.45] 6.27] 3.81 | 24.25 
1886. | 
Highest temperature.....-.. 80 93 93 93 98.5 | 96 94 89 TP eo ecsae 
Lowest temperature......... 24 33 46 | 53 | 62 a0 52 35 pee Wesaace 
Mean temperature.........-. 49.3. | 59.6. | (67.7 | 78.8 | 76.9" | 75.9 | 47590) 586) Oot eee 
Rain-tall (inches) .......-.--. 4.97 | 5.99| 4 6.22 | 7.48) 9,91 | 2.86] 1.47] 2.79 | 41.43 
1887. 
| | 
Highest temperature........ 83 91 |:93 {101.8 {103 92 983 Miles baas|eeese eee 
Lowest temperature......... | 26 28 | 45 | 49.7 | 65.7 | 52 OO ie heemeretet|| een ated Sees 
Mean temperature.........-- 146.9 <[058./3: 1906. aly e7ONB: Waa G9 0 yee eee ee at 
Rain-fall (inches) -=---.=..-.- 3.93 | 2.56] 6.59) 6.22) 6.11 | 10.8 8 id\ spore ene ee 47. 60° 
| | | 
The following tables are published for comparative purposes. They 


are kindly furnished by the Chief Signal Officer, and include the official 
records of precipitation in Chinch Bug States for 1885, 1886, 1887: 


Precipitation. 
Stations. 
1885. 1886. 1887. 

Maryland: Inches. | Inches. | Inches. 

IBALLIMBTOS 2. saa cmeic econ cain ncininna dae eles semtenn oaeicceh em eeeeemecce econ: 46.04 | 52.11 43. 59) 
Virginia: 

Pape ORT Vector Mice clas Cn atecive sete cele acts aa seine aerate een bie eee 36/00/1494. 76) ors see 

CEDUNCOLEACIC soe anne cen /avanin sia steie'smeareeen toe ner oe ee eee e monn: maneee 41.85 | 45.23 | 719.74 

PUTO DUTP 523.1 J sinweated oot esas sean eee coat paae emcee eeername cn eae 46.35 | 51.85 40. 62 

PV ORIOU Rens sont a at act camieiie nce cece ces cates mae mem etme meme ete aoe ae 43.25 | 54.33 47.72 
North Carolina: 

ORO UO ee etetad ae eaters ae ala nase eatin asec tae Sane ee ee ia ieee a eee eee 68.35 | 64.60; 51.26 

EIT DOTS A S85 Sie an 2 hs nie An cee cae ae nice ee eae ee ener ete eee 68.02 | 54.72 55. 07 

SUTURED Katee selene es ee ainainne an alaniccne siaee emcee seam mean mebeee O4578)| 200008) ce aceeee 

NTAGOD BONG oie = <2 osa's Ca biaiepinrniete we bee eee cee enmaee saeeik tease scams 62.34: |) 247.50) | -=-aaeee 

SMG Ville (NOW SOULONOLN)) <samaance cement cneesommecnceu cemee oners meee 48.07 | 38.93 | 59.49 

WHIT BON 3:5 cise doe ieee be oe as cea coh se cemeeneiacsee meee OL aaa awe eee 60.42 | 56.43 51. 47 
Indiana: | 

Grbendastle. Foie canon ses pease ae eine iacee cee oak. Pee nee 50821 | S30 i652 seo 

ATICIANADOUS = snconin cies ssc amteunn tenant ce ceees Naat eeMeme ater seal coin | 39.51 | 39.88 33. 08 
Ohio: 

CAR CINN AGL stein eran ce cates a eammecin de els aicia oe ein s meek cee een Se cae ee | 33.94 | 31.35 35. 08. 

Clevelandes< VIM ete s cee ae oI oe ae oe Meee Temes nes So ok 39.93 | $7.34 35. 36 

COMIMpUG , ocd wa or ea neatann ae ee wee PER COE OSCE OO See eee | 42.25 | 42,39 30. 25 

IATCUBIGY 2. os tAehe Leradaee eee tomer Seek ee ete heer eee me eer 34.23 | 31.00 29. 85: 

POLES. oops sas Ba ee eee ee eee ee nea earn NS 33.19 32. 90 32. OL 


1Closed December 31, 1886. 
2 Closed June 18, 1887. 


*Closed November 4, 1886. 


THE CHINCH BUG. 33 


Precipitation. 
Stations. — 
| Part 
1885. 1886. 1887. 
Illinois : Inches. | Inches. | Inches. 
MO ELON tetera ticle Secicts CO See oN ac nals sinte erin soe RES ct Wis) ve c's ates wjsice coe 31.99 | 37.98 | 26.75 
Gia O ree meee eee tora pace ese meee che om eee eee ia tec neee cua ie 44.37 | 26.77 29.13 
SSP GUAGE eco ees aeons Sa doesn gaeicea bas dadacs cSemetewsueessaeces | 38.61 | 31.69 25.15 
Wisconsin: | 
ARO CO SN Oe sar coher wate tise eni dere ania nt wai eA ree bine Soe so deme® aeawiacce | 30.70 | 22.49 VERY, 
I WK GG aes ccraacie coins os atiamecietcscc Meneses cee c tet cnr tnicce cece seems 32. 58 31. 46 30. 46 
Minnesota: | 
JD ri hhh ee SeeSee iy 33. 37 28. 56 
Moorehead. .-. ‘ a p 26. 76 21.97 
Saint Paul .. . - efits " 22. 89 25. 85 
Seimtavealn CON Uasecee sce sansa e pee bees eee ae sOet E I 15. 04 18. 47 
Missouri: 
Marna eer een taatac ae te Sian cites cree ae seek ee Roe ew cate dag ses created - 08 33. 48 35. 72 
SAUIRGNOMINEM Nc teceoonciicen cis sccisciciec vie isemnciewee eee sabewision sencecce ae : 44.34 35. 30 
Kansas: | 
SOTA OL OLA ee erate = eee rasa Maret ace aia NS TIat Se ae o mae aioe aleieiey Sice wae al aa ly alal 28. 24 25. 26 
Wake Ee Cibyee. hte. t s.steaeees ods mraeseee nee eaeice td RRB O Re Ec an rere 23.71 | 19.35 15. 80 
HEC UD Mal Ueto eincnebs ae Ate ee cane 2 aes pieces tam eae eens ak eon 43. 64 22, 25 37. 05 


1Ten months’ record. 2 Right months’ record. 
REMEDIES AND PREVENTIVES. 


The remedies and preventives recommended as late as the publication 
of Professor Riley’s 7th Rept. Ins. Mo., and there considered by him are 
as follows: Irrigation, burning, trapping, trampling, rolling, manuring, 
early sowing, mixing seed, or protecting one plant by another, prevent- 
ing the migration from one field to another by upright boards or by 
piowed furrows or ditches, abstaining from cultivation of grains upon 
which the insect feeds. These remedies were also treated in detail by 
Dr. Thomas in Bulletin 5 of the Commission. Since this, although many 
changes have been rung in the agriculturai newspapers on these reme- 
dies, very few entirely new ideas have been advanced. We may men- 
tion more particularly, before taking up a more detailed consideration 
of this question, the successful adoption of the kerosene emulsion for 
application at the time of migration or immediately afterwards. 


Preventions. 


Clean Cultivation.— With no insect more than the Chinch Bug is there 
greater necessity for-clean cultivation. We have shown already that 
the insect hibernates under rubbish of all kinds, and that the grass and 
weeds growing in the fence corners and the leaves which accumulate there 
are admirable places for these insects to collect and winter. Where 
corn-stalks are left in the fields, and where rubbish of any kind is al- 
lowed to accumulate, there the bugs will surely be found. Therefore, 
the more thoroughly a field is cleaned up in the fall, the more carefully 
the fence corners are weeded out, and the more the bare soil is turned 
under the fewer will be the chances for successful hibernation. 

Diversified Farming.—It follows from what we have said concerning 
food plants of this insect and the crops most attacked, that, from the 

12734—Bull. 17-——3 


34 THE CHINCH BUG. 


Chinch-bug standpoint alone, to say nothing of its other advantages, 
the more diversified the system of crops the better chance there will be 
for preventing it. A farmer who plants only Winter Wheat, Corn, and 
small vegetable patches, as is the practice in so many parts of the West, 
will always be liable to lose a large share, if not all, of his expected re- 
muneration, from the attacks of this insect. ‘Diversified farming, with 
wheat mainly left out,” is the editorial recommendation of the Prairie 
Farmer (September 17, 1887), and is certainly an exemplification of con- 
densed wisdom. Theobjectof the omission of Wheat, particularly Winter 
Wheat, is, of course, to afford as little food as possible for the first genera- 
tion. Similarly the plan has been suggested of abstaining from Corn in 
wheat and other small-grain growing regions, with the purpose of afford- 
ing as little food as possible for the second brood. The result of this 
plan will be that after harvest the bugs will make their way to the wild 
grasses, will disperse more, and vastly fewer will successfully hibernate 
than if there were the usual superabundant supply of food for the sec- 
ond generation. 

Rotation of Crops.—From these same facts it also follows with self- 
evident clearness that crops attractive to these insects should not be 
sown year after year upon the same ground. This idea is so plain as to 
require no elaboration. Abstaining from the cultivation of grain upon 
which the insect feeds where, in spite of the efforts for protection else- 
where mentioned, the Chinch-bug damage is still great, will, of course, 
end the difficulty. Wheat, Barley, Rye, Hungarian Grass, and Millet 
are all important crops, but there are others such as Buckwheat, Clover, 
Flax, Hemp, all vegetables and fruits which could well be made to take 
their place for a year or two, or more, if it should become necessary. 
The one great result of the Chinch-bug convention held in Kansas in 
1881 was the adoption of a resolution to abstain from the cultivation 
of Wheat, the length of time not being mentioned. As we have pre- 
viously shown, large areas of Oats could be successfully grown, but in 
corn-growing regions most small grains must be left alone, and above 
all Winter-wheat and Barley. Even without concert of action among 
the farmers of ‘a certain region, it will benefit the individual to abstain 
from Wheat and to grow Oats in preference in a year when bugs are 
expected, but concert of action is far preferable. 

Early Sowing and Manuring.—From the evident fact that a strong, 
healthy, well-grown plant will better resist the attacks of the insect the 
deduction follows that Winter Wheat sown early upon well-manured 
ground and given careful cultivation will be farther advanced in the 
spring and will suffer less from the attacks of the bug. Heavy manur- 
ing will also cause a denser growth, which experience shows to be 
prejudicial to the bugs. 

Rolling.—The female Chinch Bug in the spring seeks preferably fria- 
ble ground in which to lay her eggs; consequently rolling the land in | 
the fall after the crop of Winter Wheat is put in will render it less favor- 


THE CHINCH BUG. 35 


able to such egg laying. The same thing may be done with even better 
success after sowing Spring Wheat. 

Sowing an unattractive Crop with Wheat.—Good results have been ob. 
tained, as shown by Professor Riley, by sowing 1 or 2 quarts of Flax 
to the acre in the spring among Fall Wheat. It is put in in early spring 
with a light harrowing and rolling. Its growth does not materially in- 
jure thecrop. Flax and Barley have also been sown mixed upon the 
same ground, the seed being separated in cleaning. Similarly, corn- 
fields which promised a poor stand have been harrowed and sown to 
Buekwheat. We have already mentioned in our section on food plants 
the successful experiment detailed by Professor Forbes in sowing Timo- 
thy in the fall with Winter Wheat or Rye, and the same author states that 
in southern Illinois the sowing of Clover in spring on Winter Wheat is 
largely practiced “with unquestionably good effect, provided that the 
clover grows freely enough to shade the ground by the time the young 
Chinch Bug gets fairly under way.” In that latitude, however, he states 
that the clover often makes too slow astart to effect this purpose. Pro- 
fessor Riley also states that it is recommended to sow 1 bushel of Win- 
ter Rye with each 12 bushels of Spring Wheat, either for the same reason 
or from the idea that the bugs will prefer the younger to the older grain. 


Direct Winter Remedies. 


Stress should be laid upon the great necessity for concerted work in 
winter time. 

Burning.—Professor Riley says: 

I can not lay too much stress on the importance of winter work in burning corn- 
stalks, old boards, and all kinds of grass, weeds, rubbish, and litter around grain fields, 
and even the leaves in the adjoining woods, in and under all of which the little pest 
hibernates. 

In almost every locality the insects will be found to have some par- 
ticularly favored hibernating place, where they can be attacked and 
burned out. The locality studied by Professor Atkinson in North Caro- 
lina and mentioned in a previous paragraph is a particularly good in- 
stance. There a little careful search in the fall showed the bugs pre- 
paring to hibernate in great numbers in the Orab-grass, and nothing 
could be easier in the winter than to burn down every spear of this 
grass in the vicinity of the grain fields. In the newer parts of the West, 
where unbroken prairie land adjoins fields of grain, it is advisable to 
burn over the former early every spring. Indeed this course is an ab- 
solute necessity under such conditions. 

Fall Plowing and Harrowing.—After burning, if the soil can be plowed 
and harrowed, the chances for successful hibernation of the bugs which 
escape burning will be reduced to a minimum. In the same way, with- 
out burning, late fall plowing and harrowing will do much good. 

Gas Lime.—Where gas lime can be easily and cheaply obtained an 
application of two hundred bushels to the acre will prove valuable as a 
fertilizer and will destroy such hibernating insects as it may reach. 


36 THE CHINCH BUG. 


Trapping.—We quote again from Professor Riley : 

Much good winter work may be done also in the way of trapping the bugs. Im 
seeking winter quarters they show a decided partiality for any flat substance, such as 
old boards, that do not rest too closely upon the ground. If all old boards that can 
be obtained are laid around the field in the fallin such manner that the larger part 
of the lower surface will not quite rest on the ground—which of course it will not do 
if the ground is in the least uneven or covered with grass—the bugs will collect under 
such traps and during the cold weather of winter may be scraped from them on to 
dry straw and burned. 

He has also suggested that shocks of corn-stalks should be made 
at intervals throughout the field before winter sets in so as to attract 
the bugs, which will congregate in the shocks, where they can be burned 
at leisure. Almost any inflammable rubbish could be used for this pur- 
pose. In the neighborhood of sorghum mills bagasse has been used 
with good effect. The piles should not be too large or too compact. 
They should be placed during September and should be burned in De- 
cember. 

Trampling.—The following paragraph is from Professor Riley : 

Where the custom of allowing cattle to range during the winter in the husked 
corn-fields, even the few Chinch Bugs which secrete in the stalks are apt to get killed 
by the feeding and trampling. 


Direct Summer Remedies before Migration. 


As is the case with so many other destructive insects, it is not until 
they are under full headway and in the act of doing their greatest 
damage that an appeal is made to the entomologist for relief, and at 
such times it is usually by far the most difficult thing to give any ad- 
vice. A wheat field full of Chinch Bugs is as disagreeable a sight to 
the economic entomologist as it is to the farmer who owns it, for 
nothing can be done to save it. If the hand of Providence should in- 
terpose with a long-continued drenching rain relief would be gained, 
but in almost no other way are the crops to be saved. 

Irrigation.—It was the fact just mentioned which led Professor Riley, 
in his 7th Report on the Insects of Missouri, to strongly recommend 
irrigation where it can be practiced. He says: 

Irrigation, where it can be applied, and it can be in much of the territory in the 
vicinity of the Rocky Mountains, where the insect commits sad havoe, and with a 
little effort in many regions in the heart of the Mississippi Valley, is the only really 
available, practicable remedy, after the bugs have commenced multiplying in the 
spring. I wish to lay particular stress on this matter of irrigation, believing, as I do, 
that it is an effectual antidote against this pest, and that by overflowing a grain 
field for a couple of days, or by saturating the ground for as many more in the month 
of May, we may effectually prevent its subsequentinjuries. * * * We can not, at 
the critical moment, expect much aid from its natural enemies, for these are few 
and attack it mostly in the winter time. We must, therefore, in our warfare with 
this pest, depend mainly on preventive measures where irrigation is impossible. 

Later (Amer. Agriculturist, Dec., 1881, also Ann. Rept. as Entomolo- 
gist Dept. Agr. for 1881-82, pages 88-89) he expressed himself even 
more explicitly upon this subject: 


THE CHINCH BUG. 37 


I have found no occasion to change my opinion as to the value and potency of 
irrigation as a remedy for Chinch-bug injuries, a remedy, too, that is within the reach 
of most farmers, for there are few who might not, with the aid of proper windmills, 
obtain the water requisite for irrigating their fields at the needed time, while many 
have natural irrigating facilities. I have repeatedly laid stress in my writings on 
the importance of irrigation in combating several of our worst insect enemies, and 
aside from its benefits in this direction, every recurrence of a droughty year, such as 
the present, in large portions of the United States, convinces me of its importauce as 
a means of guarding against failure of crops from excessive drought. I am glad to 
know that many farmers, and especially small fruit-growers in the vicinity of New 
York, are preparing in one way or another for irrigation whenever it becomes nec- 
essary, and I was pleased to hear Dr. Hexamer, at the late meeting of the American 
Pomological Society, urge a general system of irrigation as the most profitable invest- 
ment the cultivator can make in a climate subject to such periods of drought as 
ours is known to be. 


Burning.—In addition to winter Bare the remedy can be used to 
good effect in other cases. For instance where the attack of the bugs 
appears to be confined to a definite portion of the field, that portion 
should be overlaid with straw and burned, if not too large. Another 
pertinent suggestion is made by Dr. Thomas in Bulletin 5, U. 8. E. C., 
and this has the indorsement of practical use by certain Illinois farmers. 


If it is found at the time wheat is harvested that the bugs have not taken their de- 
parture, as is the case in the winter-wheat section, this fact may be taken advantage 
of to destroy a very large portion of them. If the wheat is at once thrashed and the 
straw scattered over the stubble and burned, it will destroy all or most of those that 
are there. I know of one section of southern I|linois where this has been practiced for 
a number of years by the German farmers with good results. 


This remedy is very practical and doubtless can be used to good effect 
under such circumstances. 

The following experiments in burning were made the past season at 
Ames, Iowa, by Professor Osborn, and the account is taken from his 
manuscript report: 


On Jaly 16 the stubble adjoining a corn field was observed to contain large numbers 
of bugs traveling toward corn. In the afternoon this migration was going on quite 
actively, and asthe stubble was now quite dry it was fired with a view of destroying bugs 
remaining in it. Where tolerably thick, and when there was a fair breeze, it burned 
readily, but it was necessary to take some pains in carrying the tlame along past thin 
spots to keep it from dying out. A considerable portion of the field, however, was 
successfully burned over, and the dead bodies of many bugs not completely consumed, 
which could easily be found on examining the burnt area, testified to the destruction 
of hosts of the pests. The bugs thus killed were mostly young larvx, the majority of 
the adults and larger larve and the pupe having already moved out. The number 
destroyed, however, must, 1 think, have well repaid the little trouble necessary to 
burn the stubble. 

Early in August the bugs had so multipled ina field of Hungarian grass that no 
further growth seemed probable, and most of the field was mown and the hay secured. 
A narrow strip, however, was left next the corn, the plan being to burn this as soon 
_ as bugs began passing to the corn. When the bugs started, however (August 13), 
the grass was not dry enough to burn except in spots. In such places as would burn, 
however, hosts of bugs were consumed. This strip was at once mown, and after dry- 
ing a few hours another attempt made to burn it, as also on the following day; but 
portions were still too green to burn rapidly, and, unfortunately for the experiment, 


38 THE CHINCH BUG. 


the two or three days following were not hot and dry enough to render it fit to burn 
readily. A few days later, however, on adry day with a fair breeze, most of the strip 
remaining unburnt was burned over, and examination showed that great numbers of 
young bugs remaining were destroyed. Bugs, if under ground or secreted in roots of 
stubble, will not be killed; hence to destroy greatest numbers, as well as to secure 
mo:t rapid burning, the fire should be started in the hottest part of a dry day, when 
bugs in greatest number will be moving. 


Prevention of Migration—direct Remedies during and after Migration 


As has been so often pointed out, a great deal can be done in the 
way of destroying the insects at the time when they migrate from 
the wheat fields, towards the close of the first generation, to corn and 
other neighboring crops. 

Ditching.—As long ago as Le Baron’s first paper and as Fitch’s second 
report the method of digging a ditch or plowing a furrow around the 
infested field was in vogue. If a plowed furrow be made the perpen- 
dicular side should be towards the field to be protected and the earth 
should be kept friable by dragging a log or brush occasionally through 
it, or, better still, a triangular weighted trough. The migrating bugs 
will fail to climb the side of the furrow and will fall back into it, where 
they can be covered with straw and burned. With care and activity 
the neighboring fields can be thus protected. 

A modification of this plan appears in an unplaced newspaper cut- 
ting in our possession. It is as follows: 


When they first appear, as they usually do, on the side of the corn field, and be- 
fore they have entered it, cut five or six rows of the corn and clear the ground; then 
plow a strip of land 8 or 10 feet wide, leaving a deep furrow inthe center of the same. 
Then take the corn stalks which were taken from the land, and place them across the 
dead furrow, and the trap is complete. When the bugs approach the field, they will 
pass in under the corn placed across the dead furrow, and, preferring the shade and 
moisture, remain there until the stalks become perfectly dry, when they can be put 
through a process of cremation that will prove effectual in destroying them. Should 
they first appear in the middle of a field of corn (as it not unfrequently happensthey do), 
they can be surrounded on the foregoing plan and destroyed in the same way. This 
plan we consider the most practical of any that has come under our observation, and 
is corroborated to some extent by the experience of J. W. Martin, an observing farmer, 
whose experiments are given in the Osage Mission (Kans.) Journal. 

Tarred Boards or Tar alone.—The plan has been adopted and is recom- 
mended in the reports of Professor Riley and others of using common 
fence boards—6 inches wide or less—setting them upon edge and mak- 
ing a barrier of them around the infested tields, care being taken to cover 
the fower edge so that the bugs will not crawl under them. The upper 
edge is spread with fresh tar, which is occasionally renewed. Vast num- 
bers are taken out from holes dug at intervals on the hitherside of the 
barrier, in which the marching armies collect. Commenting upon this 
remedy Professor Riley says: ‘‘with a little care to keep the tar moist 
by renewal the boards may be dispensed with and the tar poured out 
of a kettle on to the ground; about a gallon is required to the rod, and 
it should be renewed every other day, oftener when rains prevail, until 


THE CHINCH BUG. — «89 


the bugs are destroyed.” According to Dr. Le Baron this method was 
extensively used in the central part of Illinois and especially in the 
vicinity of the Bloomington gas works in 1872. He saw thé operation 
performed near Bloomington, where the tar was poured from an old 
tea-kettle on the ground along the exposed sides of a corn-field. This 
remedy, however, will seldom be used on account of its expense, except 
in such situations as that mentioned, where the tar can be readily and 
cheaply procured. 

Sowing Strips of Plants distasteful to the Bugs around the Fields to be 
protected.—This remedy has been urged by certain authors, and the crops 
to be used as barriers are preferably Flax, Hemp, Clover, and Buckwheat. 
The effect of this will be to deter and destroy the migrating individuals 
and cause the death of the young ones by starvation. It is, however, 
not a thorough remedy, and is not to be compared with the more direct 
remedies which caused the almost complete destruction of the insect. 

Sowing Strips of fwwored Food around the Fields to be protected.— A strip 
of Timothy, Hungarian grass, or Millet may be sown around the corn- 
field to good advantage with the object of entrapping the migrating 
bugs by plowing it under and burning the ground over when it has be- 
come filled with the migrating armies in transit. The bugs of the first 
generation, which are full grown, will lay their eggs by preference in 
this protective strip, and these will be destroyed by the plowing and 
burning. 

Hot Water and Soap-suds.—The application of strong soap suds to the 
insects when gathered upon the outer rows of corn was recommended by 
a writer in the Southern Planter many years ago, and was also given 
by Dr. Fitch. Statement is made that a half gill or a gill poured upon 
each stalk will kill them all, and that the labor is not half so great as a 
single hoeing of the crop. Hot water has been recommended for a 
similar purpose by subsequent writers. 

Kerosene Emulsion.—A new and, under certain circumstances, very effi- 
cacious remedy for the Chinch Bug was introduced when Professor 
Riley, in 1882, first suggested to Professor Forbes the advisability of ex- 
perimenting with this substance upon this insect. Professor Forbes’s 
first experiments were reported to this Division and the results were 
published in Bulletin No. 2 (February, 1883), pages 23 to 25. The fol- 
lowing solutions were used in these experiments: 

Solutions with which dilutions were made: (1) Soap-suds, 1 pound soap to 10 gal- 


lons water ; (2) soap-suds, 1 pound soap to 20 gallons water ; (3) potash, 1 pound to 


50 gallons water. 
EMULSIONS AS DILUTED. 
Per cent. of kerosene. 


A. 2 parts kerosene, 1 pars milk, 45 parts water (about).................-......- 4 
Belipart kerosene, lo part milk, 18 parts, water. 252... o-0 020006 acue cece esse ance 5 
CimiSpartvykerosene,, partamilk, V8) parts solution 122. o..2.6 sc. 020-2262 secs een 5 
D. 1 part kerosene, 1 part milk, 38 parts solution 2-.....--........22-..0----02-- 24 
Eealjpartykerosene;, l pant mill, 38 parts watets.2-5. <<... 56..-2c2n.ossece oeec one e 24 
Be 1 part kerosene, 1 part milk, 38 parts solution 3.........-...00---500 s-++-oes 24 
G: I part kerosene, 1 part milk, 30 parts solution 2.......2.. 2-200 --22 000 scores 3 


40 THE CHINCH BUG. 


All of these were efficacious. Fortunately at the time when such ap- 
plication is to be made, viz, just after wheat harvest, heip is abundant 
and the work can be done at areasonable expense. Experiments made 
by Professor Forbes show that a simple mechanical mixture of one part 
of kerosene to three of water will kill the bugs and will not injure half- 
grown corn if it is kept constantly agitated. But the original soap 
emulsion, recommended so often in the reports of this Department and 
made according to the formula originally proposed by Mr. Hubbard, 
will be much safer and will do thorough work. It will do no harm to 
repeat this formula: 


IGYQsANO 20. lacs cee aeckep nears ee eee Se een 2 gallons = 67 per cent. 
Common soap,or whale-oil soapese +2 essere Seats cai ine =e = 4+ pound 


WiSUEBD po ec erode alebcerdes oes euceee setae vita emer te sees 1 gallon == Deron 


Heat the solution of soap and add it boiling hot to the kerosene. 
Churn the mixture by means of a force-pump and spray-nozzle for five 
or ten minutes. The emulsion, if perfect, forms a cream which thickens 
on cooling, and should adhere without oilivess to the surface of glass, 
Dilute before using one part of the emulsion with nine parts of cold 
water. The above formula gives 3 gallons of emulsion and makes, 
when diluted, 30 gallons of wash. 

We realize the objections to recommending anything complicated in 
the way of a mixture and of apparatus for applying it, and in conse- 
quence we may state, as showing that an ingenious individual who is 
in earnest need not be hindered by lack of a proper apparatus for apply- 
ing this mixture, the experience of Maj. R. S. Tucker, of Raleigh, N.C., . 
as published in the News and Observer, and in a special bulletin of the 
State Department of Agriculture, Raleigh, June 29, 1887. His letter 
stated in brief that having tried a number of remedies he learned of the 
kerosene emulsion at a time when the pest was most abundant upon 
the outer rows of corn. Not having any force pump or spray-nozzle with 
which to churn the emulsion, he whipped the mixture in a large recep- 
tacle with a bunch of twigs for ten or fifteen minutes and then applied 
it to his outer rows of corn with a common water-sprinkler. The results 
were admirable, and certainly he deserved success for his trial. 

Another practical test was made by Professor Atkinson, and reported 
upon in the bulletin just mentioned, as follows: 

Mr. William F. Stroud, of Chapel Hill, hada field of wheat which was infested 
with the chinch bugs. When the wheat was harvested they immediately betook them- 
selves to the corn which was adjacent. Some of the corn stalks for 1 foot or 18 inches 
above ground were literally black with the mass of insects, and sometimes when they 


could not be seen outside they were found in great numbers between the sheath of the 
blade and the stalk. 


{Here follows the kerosene-soap emulsion formula just given.] 


I found these proportions made the liquid a little weak, and I diluted in the pro- 
portion of six parts of cold water to one of the emulsion. The application of this to 


THE CHINCH BUG. Al 


the corn, June 25, was a perfect success in killing the bugs, and the corn was examined 
later and was found to have sustained not the slightest injury.* 

In my experiment I used a spraying apparatus, manufactured by A. H. Nixon, Day- 
ton, Ohio, which consists of a square tank, which has a capacity of 8 gallons, with 
with a force-pump hose and spray-nozzle attached. This machine (called the Lit- 
tle Gem) was placed upon a rough sled made for the purpose, which was drawn be- 
tween the rows by a mule. 

As the spraying apparatus produced too wide a stream to apply the liquid rapidly 
and effectively to the stalks of corn, I removed the spraying portion of the nozzle and 
used the part which produces a very narrow but strong stream (one-sixteenth of an 
inch in diameter). The liquid would run down the stalks and between the sheath 
of the blade and stalk, killing instantly the hundreds of insects with which it came 
in contact. The two rows were sprayed as far as the stream would reach on each 
side, and then the mule moved on to stop for another application. In this way the 
corn was gone over very rapidly. Where a force-pump can be obtained it is better 
to apply it with this, but the nozzle should be very small, so as to throw a very nar- 
row stream or spray directly against the stalk. Ifa force-pump can not be obtained, 
a common watering pot, with a narrow nozzle, could be used very effectively. Sev- 
eral of these could be used, the operators going quite rapidly from one stalk or hill 
to another. 

There is no reason why all should not get rid of the chinch bug on corn, for a fail- 
ure to kill the bugs would arise from some fault in the application, and the applica- 
tion can be made cheaper than a dressing of the corn could be made with the hoe. 


This application was made late in June, and Mr. Stroud reported 
several times later in the season that nothing more had been seen of 
the bugs, and Professor Atkins on, visiting the field October 17, found 
no Chinch Bugs in the corn-stalks where the emulsion was used, nor in 
the neighboring Crab-grass. Some were found, however, about 40 rods 
away in some late corn, but they were few in number. 

Professor Osborn’s experiments with kerosene emulsions, made dur- 
ing the summer at our request at Ames, Iowa, are reported by him as 
follows: 


A number of trials were made with kerosene emulsion first with a view to testing 
its value under various conditions, and afterward for the sake of checking the dam- 
age threatened to corn. 

The first trial was made July 15, the emulsion used being the common one, consist- 
ing of kerosene, soap, and water diluted to about 5 per cent. kerosene. The bugs 
were killed very quickly by this application, and great numbers of them could be 
reached, but many in particularly secreted places, in folds of leaves and under lumps 
of earth, escaped. Thrown on to the leaves and running down between leaf and 
stalk, it dislodged and killed immense numbers. Thrown against stalks where they 
were congregated it would quickly dislodge the mass, and while it was impossible to 
see whether all driven off in this way were sufficiently wet to kill them, it was cer- 
tain that most of them were. This application was at the rate of about 1 gallon of 
emulsion or 12 gallons of the dilnted mixture to 5 rows of corn for 32 rods, or what 
would equal 5 gallons of emulsion, 60 gallons of diluted mixture to the acre, or a cost 
for material of less than 60 cents peracre. In trials of the emulsion diluted to range 
from 2 per cent. to 7 per cent. of kerosene, less than 4 or 5 per cent. was found to be 
unsatisfactory, and at the lowest figure bugs even when thoroughly drenched and 
kept for a time in the fluid were able to recover. A mixture (about 2 per cent., pos- 


* Professor Atkinson has since written that subsequent tests convinced him that one 
part of the emulsion to nine of water made the mixture quite strong enough.—L. 
O. 8G 


42 THE CHINCH BUG. 


sibly a little less) which killed plant lice almost instantly, affected chinch bugs but 
slightly, if at all, and they afterward recovered and lived in confinement for many 
days. 

On August 15 applied kerosene emulsion to bugs accumulating on corn, using an 
emulsion diluted to contain about 6 per cent. kerosene and spraying with cyclone 
nozzle. Great numbers of bugs could be found dead within a few minutes after ap- 
plication, and on the following day hosts of dead could be found on the ground 
around the hills treated. In places, however, the stalks had become well covered by 
live bugs that had moved in to fill the place of the slain. 

Subsequently the farm department applied it on a larger scale, using 5 to 6 per cent. 
emulsion, and spraying from barrels in a wagon, one man working the force-pump 
and another manipulating the hose and cyclone nozzle, walking rapidly among the 
hills of corn and directing the spray upon the masses of bugs. This resulted in the 
destruction of great numbers. In this application the cyclone nozzle was found by 
all means most satisfactory. : 

I suggested its trial to some of my correspondents, and one letter received in reply 
is of sufficient interest to be noted: 

CAMBRIDGE, Iowa, July 20, 1887. 

Dear Sir: Your most satisfactory letter received some time since. The conclusion 
is.a success; it was instant death to the chinch bugs. But it takes so much when 
you want to go over five or six acres that one can not stand the expense. It could be 
stood to go over it once or twice if I could have got the bugsall on the corn, but they 
would a part stay on the corn while the rest would lie under sods and anything else 
that would protect them from the sun. When your letter reached us they had left 
the wheat (which they fully destroyed), and had gone into the corn, which they killed 
for ten or twelve rows in some places, and some places not so far. Then they 
scattered over more territory for a time, but now they have left the corn (almost), 
having flown away, I think. I am under obligations to you for your kindness. 


Very respectfully, 
J. E. WARREN. 


Professor OSBORN, 
Ames, lowa. 


The use of kerosene can hardly be expected to prove of valne except when the bugs 
are massing on corn. At this time, application to an acre or two of the field next 
to stubble may do much to save the rest of the field. By-arranging nozzles with 
special reference to most efficient work in corn rows, and while corn is small enough 
to drive a team in the field astride of one row, I think spraying can be done quite 
thoroughly at a cost of 30 to 40 cents per acre for material. 

A cyclone nozzle, with pressure sufficient to do good work, discharges about 1 pint 
of liquid per minute. Adjusting three nozzles to play upon one row of corn, one each 
side, and one from above, and allowing teams to walk slowly 2 miles per hour, and it 
wiil take 30 gallons of liquid per acre, which, using 5 to 6 per cent. emulsion, costs 
about 30 cents, exclusive of labor, which for team and man an hour and a quarter 
would be about 40 cents more. First cost of force pump must, of course, be consid- 
ered; the cost of labor on the farm, however, where the farmer uses his own team 
and does the managing of apparatus himself, might be counted less. By using only 
two nozzles or by driving faster the expense will be lessened. 


BOGUS CHINCH BUGS. 


Professor Riley figures and describes in his Seventh Report on the 
Insects of Missouri fourspecies of Heteroptera which are frequently mis- 
taken for the Chinch Bug and are often the cause of unnecessary alarm. 
We here reproduce the figures of these species. The first is the False 
Chinch Bug (Nysius augustatus Uhl., Fig. 8), which was frequently sent 


s 


THE CHINCH BUG. 43 


to Professor Riley. Itis found all over the country and occasionally dam- 
ages certain crops quite seriously—grapevines, strawberries, potatoes, 
young apple grafts, and all cruciferous plants. 
It is also very fond of Purslane and, as men- 
tioned elsewhere in this report, it is found 
in California congregating under Polygonum. 
Itis the insect which caused the alarm in Cal- 
ifornia in 1885. It was originally described 
by Uhler under the name above given, but 
was subsequently redescribed by Mr. Wil- 
liam R. Howard as Nysius raphani and by 
Professor Riley as Vysius destructor. Profes- 

: CL FALSE CHINCH BuG:—b, pupa; ¢, 
sor Riley’s description was, however, drawn mature bug. [After Riley.] 
up with Mr. Uhbler’s sanction, as the latter 
author at that time considered that the form described by Professor 
Riley might be distinct. 

The Insidious Flower-bug (Triphleps insidiosus Say, Fig. 6) is another 
of these bogus Chinch Bugs. It is also a very wide-spread insect, and 
so far from being injurious it is one of the comparatively few insects 
which prey upon the Chinch Bug. 

The Ash-gray Leaf-bug (Piesma cinerea Say, Fig. 9) is another wide- 
spread species which occasionally damages grape blossoms in early 

spring, but lives principally upon forest trees and 
[Mig-.2.] shrubs. This species is also often mistaken for our 
insect. 

The Flea-like Negro-bug (Corimelena pulicaria 
Germ., Fig. 10) is the fourth. 

Its appearance is more different from the Chinch 
Bug than any of the insects mentioned under this 
head, as is plainly shown by the figure. It feeds 
abundantly upon the fruit of the Raspberry and punc- 
tures also the stem of the Strawberry and the blos- 
soms, leaves, and fruit-stems of the Cherry and Quince. 
ae ae It is also injurious to certain garden flowers and to cer- 

tain weeds, among which Professor Riley mentions 
Ceanothus americanus and Veronica peregrina. 

We may mention under this head the rather (Fig. 10. ] 
curious fact that the Striped Flea-beetle—Systena 
elongata Fab.—was found the past season in great 
abundance in company with Chinch Bugs in fields 
infested by the latter in Nebraska by Mr. Bruner. 
They appeared to be working upon grass and upon r 
the wild Buckwheat. Their appearance accompa- FLEA-LIKE NEGRO-BUG. 
nying the Chinch Bug had, of course, no especial eer 
significance, but at the same time occurring in such a way they were 
liable to be mistaken for another form of the Chinch Bug. 


> 


44 THE CHINCH BUG. 


BIBLIOGRAPHICAL LIST. 


[This is simply a list of the more importaut of the Chinch-bug articles. No men- 
tion is made of a very large number which we have seen, but which contain nothing 
new or original. Every progressive step of knowledge is mentioned in some one of 
the articles here mentioned. ] 

1831. Say, Tuomas. Lygaus leucopterus. Descriptions of new species of Heterop- 
terous Hemiptera of North America, New Harmony, Ind., Dec. 183i. Com- 
plete writings. Ed. by LeConte, Vol. I, p. 329. 
(Original description ; described from a single specimen taken in Virginia.) 
1845. PRAIRIE FARMER, V., 227. 
(Injuries in Hancock County, Illinois.) 
PRAIRIE FARMER, V., 287. Chinch Bugs. 
(Injuries in Tazewell County, Illinois. An account of their season’s history.) 
1846. PRAIRIE FarMER, VI., 134. The Chinch Bug. 
(Injuries in Sangamon County, Lllinois.) 
PRAIRIE FARMER, VI., 245. Chinch Bugs. 
(Injuries in Cass County, Illinois.) 
1850. Le Baron, WM. Rhyparochromus devastator. Prairie Farmer, Vol. X, p. 200. 


(Described imago, and proposes specific name devastator; mentions that eggs are de- 
posited on roots; points out its destructive characters as an insect enemy.) 


1851: PRAIRIE FARMER, XI., 335. The Chinch Bug. 
(Distribution within the State of Illinois.) 
1852. Harris, T. W. Rhyparochromus leucopterus. Treatise on insects of Massa- 
chusetts. 
(Describes briefly imago; speaks of distribution and injuries. Recoras finding in his 
garden in 1852.) 
1855. Fircu, Asa. Micropus leucopterus. The Cultivator, 3d series, III, 237-239. 
(Correspondent writes from Indiana. Fitch gives account of habits and injuries, past 
history, and nomenclature. ) 
1856. Fircu, Asa. Micropus leucopterus. Second Rep. Ins. N. Y., pp. 227-297, Piate 
IV, figs. 2 and 28, 
(Gives 1783 as date when first known as insect depredator on wheat in North Carolina. 
Notes its occurrence at several times during next fifty years in such numbers as to 
nearly destroy the wheat crop. Farmers ceased to plant wheat for a couple of years 
as only knownremedy. Alludes todrought which prevailed during period of injury, 
and their destruction by wet weather, 1840. First attracted attention in Western 
States, 1840-’44. Describes young larve. Mentions briefly a namber of varieties. 
Gives history of nomenclature. Suggests spraying infested fields with water asa 
practical remedy.) 
1857. SIGNORET, V. Micropus leucopterus Say. Essai monographique du Genre Micro- 
pus, Spinola, Ann. Soc. Ent. de France, V, 3d series, p. 31. 
(A technical description from specimens received from New York and Cuba.) 
1861. WALSH, B. D. Chinch Bug. Insects injurious to Vegetation in Illinois, 
Trans. Il). State Agr. Soc., Vol. 4, 1859-60, pp. 346-349. 


(First notice of four Ladybird enemies of the Chinch Bug. Figures Hipp. maculata, and 
Coccinella munda.) 


1862. Harris, T. W. Rhyparochromus leucopterus. Insects injurious to Vegetation, 
3d ed., pp. 197-200, fig. 84. (See under 1852.) 
1865. Ritey, C. V. The Chinch Bug. Prairie Farmer, September 19, 1865. 


(Exposes the fallacy of a reported observation by Mr. D. H. Sherman in the Waukegan 
Gazette, to the effect that the eggs are laid upon the wheat-head.) 


1866. 


1866. 


1866. 


1866, 


1867. 


1869. 


1869. 


1870. 


1871. 


1872. 


1872. 


1872. 


1872. 


THE CHINCH BUG. 45 


WatsH, B.D. Chinch Bugs. Practical Entomologist, Vol. I, p. 95. 

(Prints a clipping from Prairie Farmer, stating that the ‘‘bugs” had been successfully 
fenced out of a field by putting boards on edge around it and coating eee edge. 
with coal-tar.) 

WatsH, B. D. Micropus (Lygeus) leucopterus. Pract. Ent., Vol. II, p. 21. 

(Notices specimens of short-winged variety from Canada.) 

Ritey, C.V. Chinch Bug. Pract. Ent., Vol. I, No. 6, p. 47. 

(Exposes fallacy of a current theory that the eggs are deposited on the grain, and fields 

become infested from its use. Gives methods of depositing eggs and states that 


there are two generations in northern Illinois, and possibly three in more southern 
latitudes.) 


Ritey, C.V. The Chinch Bug. Prairie Farmer, Mar. 3, 1866. 

(Devoted principally to remedies, recommending ditching, winter work, mixing rye or 
tame grass with spring wheat.) 

SHIMER, HENRY. Micropus (Lygeus) leucopterus. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 
Vol. XIX, pp. 75-80. 

(Full journal account of observations during 1864~’65 in Illinois. Conclusions as to 
causes of their destruction in 1865.) Page 234. (Reference to epidemic.) 

WatsH & RILEY. Micropus leucopterus. Am. Ent., Vol. I, pp. 169-177, fig. 122. 

(Popular inferences, past history, natural history, checks to multiplication; review of 
Dr. Shimer’s prophecies about appearance.) 

IBID., pp. 194-199, figs. 138, 139. 

(Predaceous foes of, damage done by, remedies for; summary of conclusions : (1) they 
hibernate in imago stage in rubbish, which should be burned; (2) early sowing in 
spring is an advantage; (3) compacting the soilacts as preventive; (4) heavy rains al- 
Ways injure or entirely destroy them.) 

PACKARD, A.S., Jr. Blissus leucopterus. Guideto the Study of Insects, pp. 543, 
544, fig. 547. 

(Describes imago, life history, injuries of; epidemic diseases of 1865. Cites its occur- 
rence in Maine and at summit of Mount Washington. Notices the theory that wet 
weather during breeding season is destructive to them.) 

RILey, C. V. Micropus leucopterus. 2d Rep. State Ent. Mo., pp. 15-37, figs. 1 
and 2. 

(An extended account and the best yet published ; discusses past history, natural history, 
destructive powers, heavy rains, natural enemies, amount of damage, remedies, and 
bogus Chinch Bugs.) 

GLOVER, TOWNEND. LRhyparochromus (Micropus) leucopterus. Rep. Com. Agr., 
1870, p. 89. ‘ 

(Refers to observations of others as to deposition of eggs, etc.) 

BETHUNE, C. J. 8S. Micropus leucopterus. Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont., 1871, p. 55. 

(Refers to accounts of early history, habits, enemies of, natural remedies, etc.) 

LE Baron, WILLIAM. Micropus leucopterus. 2d Rep. St. Ent. IIl.,1871, pp. 
142-156. 


(Estimates loss from depredations current year in Illinois ten and one-half millions dol- 
lars; treats of their prevention and destruction under five heads: (1) natural enemies, 
(2) early sowing, (3) preventing migrations, (4) destroying Pe burning rubbish, (5) 
cease cultivating the affected crops.) 


GLOVER, TOWXEND. Rhyparochromus leucopterus. Rep. Com. Agr., 1871, p. 84. 


(Merely refers to its injuries in Western States and mentions salt being used as a 
remedy.) 
Lr BARON, WILLIAM. Chinch Bug. Experience of 1372. Prairie Farmer, 
August 24. 
(Believes that a sufficient number of these insects hibernate under dead leaves in the 


woods to perpetuate the species; also that the wet spring of 1872 destroyed large 
numbers of the Chinch Bugs.) 


46 THE CHINCH BUG. 


1874. GLOVER, TOWNEND. Micropus (Rhyparochromus) leucopterus. Rep. U. S. Com. 
Agr. 1872, p. 121. 
(Mentions injuries in Western States to Corn, Wheat, Sorghum, ete.; three broods re- 
ported observed in Missouri.) 


1874. JoHNSON, B. F. Chinch Bug. Country Gent., Vol. XXXIX, p. 661. 

(Abundant in central Illinois. Stock was poisoned by eating fodder. Suggests sow- 
ing plats of noxious plants, Tobacco, Night-shade, Henbane, Stramonium, Hemp- 
etc., to assist in checking their ravages.) 

1875. GLOVER, TOWNEND. Micropus (Rhyparochromus) leucopterus. Rep. Com. Agr., 
1874, pp. 127, 128. 

(Gives localities in Southern and Western States where reported as injurions.) 

1875. Ritey, C. VY. Micropus leucopterus. 7th Rep. State Ent. Mo., pp. 19-50; appen- 
dix, pp. 51-71, figs. 2, 3, and 4. 

(Résumé of previous history, full descriptions of various stages, natural history, extended 

account of injuries in 1874, exhaustive discussion of preventive measures and reme- 


dies, mentions irrigation, predaceous enemies. Appendix, correspondence of farm- 
ers relating to 1874 damage.) 


1875, RitEy, C. V. Locusts vs. Chinch Bugs. N.Y. Weekly Tribune, August 4, 1875. 
(A letter from Lyons, France, remarking upon the abundance of Chinch Bugs and allay- 
ing fears as to great destruction by them.) 
1876. UHLER, P. R. Blissus leucopterus. List of Hemiptera of the region west of the 
Mississippi River, including those collected during the Hayden explorations 
of 1873. Bulletin U.S. Geol. and Geog. Sur. Terr., I, second series, No. 2, p. 306. 
(Mere mention, with a list of localities.) f 
1877, PACKARD, A.S., Jr. Blissus leucopterus. 9th Rep. Geol. and Geog. Sur. Terr., 
1875, pp. 697-699, fig. 4 and map. 
(Refers to its destructiveness in the Western States, quotes estimates of different State 
Entomologists, notices briefly some of the remedies.) 
1878. THOMAS, Cyrus. Blissus leucopterus. 7th Rep. State Ent. Iil., pp. 40-71, 2 figs. 
(Résumé of history, natural history, descriptions, etc. Two brooded in northern Illinois, 
possibly three in southern Illinois. Remedies and general discussion of same). 
1879. RitEy, C. V. Entomological Notes. The Chinch Bug. Farmers’ Review 
(Chicago), February, 1879. 
(Discusses weather influence and advances parallel between Rocky Mountain Locust and 
Chinch Bug. Review of life history and summary of facts from Seventh Rept. Ins. 
Mo. Prediction of bugs in 1879 if weather prove dry.) 
1879. THOMAS, Cyrus. Blissus leucopterus. Bull. U.S. Ent.Com.No.5. Ten figures, 
map showing distribution. 
(Exhaustive résumé of present knowledge with facts concerning injuries, natural his- 
tory, predaceous enemies, full discussion of preventive and remedial measures.) 
1880. Kansas STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. Quarterly Report for the quarter 
ending June 30, 1820, Topeka, July 20, p. 61. 
(An account of damage to Sorghum.) 
1880. THomas, Cyrus. Temperature and Rainfall as affecting the Chinch Bug. 
Am. Ert. New series. Vol. I, pp. 240-242, with diagram. 
(Condensation of his theory about periodicity of seasons of drought and their relation to 
appearance of this insect.) 
1881. THomas, Cyrus. The Relation of Meteorological Conditions to Insect De- 
velopment. 10th Rep. State Ent. Ill., pp. 47-59, with diagram. 
(Discusses theory of Septennary Cycles of Meteorological conditions; believes it possi- 


ble to predict with considerable certainty the season when Chinch Bugs will appear 
in injurious numbers.) 


1881. RiLEy, C. V. Am. Nat., October, p. 820. 


(Calls attention to the verification of Prof. Cyrus Thomas's prediction that this would be 
a bad Chinch-Bug year. ) 


1881. 


1882. 


1882. 


1882. 


1882. 


1882. 
1883. 
1883. 


- 1883. 


1883. 


1883. 


1883. 


1884. 


1884. 


1885. 


1885. 


1885. 


1885. 


THE CHINCH BUG. 47 


Ritgy,C. V. Am. Agriculturist, Nov. and Dec., 1881. 


(Reviews natural history and remedies, and discusses the practicability of irrigation as a 
remedy.) 


Howarp, L. O. Rep. U.S. Dept. Agr., 1881-82, p. 137. 
(Mentions it as infesting Rice affected by ‘‘ white blast.’’) 
Ritey, C. V. Chinch Bug Notes. Rept. Ent., Ann. Rept. U.S. Dept. Agr., 
1881-82, pp. 87-89. 
(Calls attention to Professor Thomas’s prediction of injury during 1881 and the fact that 
it was partially fulfilled ; discusses briefly remedies and methods of prevention.) 
Forsss, 8. A. Bacterium. A parasite of the Chinch Bug. Am. Nat. Vol. XVI, 
p. 824. 
(Account of discovery of parasitic disease among Chinch Bugs.) 
ForseEs, 8. A. Blissus leucopterus. 12th Rep. State Ent. I1l., pp. 32-63, fig. 6. 


(Gives full account of observations on life history, etc., for the year, insect enemies, 
a new insect enemy, bird enemies, account of observation on a bacterium para- 
site. Experiments in drenching with water under artificial conditions (not fully 
carried out), report of experiments with topical applications.) 


Ritey, C. V. The Chinch Bug. Am. Agriculturist, p. 476, 3 figs. 
(General account of, habits and natural history, meteorological conditions affecting.) 
LINTNER, J. A. Cir. No. 1, N. Y. St. Mus. Nat. Hist. 
(Directions for arresting Chinch Bug invasion of northern New York.) 
LINTNER, J. A. The Chinch Bug in New York. Country Gent., Nov. 8, 1883. 
(Directions for co-operation among farmers to prevent ravages coming year.) 
Forses, 8. A. Experiments on Chinch Bug. U.S. Dept. Agr., Div. Ent., Bull. 
IN‘on 2: 
Memoranda of experiments with kerosene emulsion and mixtures, made at the sugges- 
tion of Professor Riley ; found them quite effective. 
ForBEs, 8. A. Entomological Notes of the Season. State Dept. Agr., Cir. 106, 
Ill., crops for 1883, p. 177. 
(Notes the deposition of eggs for first brood on the roots of Indian Corn.) 
SAUNDERS, WM. Micropus leucopterus. Rep. Ent. Soc. Ont., pp. 59-62. 
(Account of appearance in New York; quotes from Lintner.) 
RILEY, C. V. Chinch Bug in New York. Science, Vol. II, 1883, p. 621. 
(Cites facts to show that their appearance in New York is not an invasion, but extraor- 
dinary development of the species, dependent upon climatic conditions. j 
RiveEy, C. V. The Chinch Bugin New York State. American Naturalist, Jan., 
1884, Vol. XVIII, p. 79-80. 


(A reprint of an unplaced article in Scientific American criticising Dr. Lintner’s conclu- 
sions as to reasons for alarm in northern New York.) 


LINTNER, J. A. 37th Ann. Rep. N. Y. St. Mus. Nat. Hist., pp. 53-60. 
(Not seen.) 
BRUNER, LAWRENCE. Blissus leucopterus. Rept. Ent., Ann. Rept. Dept. Agr., 
1884, p. 399. 
(Cites an instance where large numbers disappeared immediately after a heavy rain.) 
Ritey, C. V. Chinch Bug Notes. Rept. Ent., Ann. Rept. Dept. Agr., 1884, 
pp. 405-405. 
(Refers to occurrence in New York and considers that there is no cause for alarma; pre- 
dicts they will attract no further notice.) 
ForsBes, 8. A. Ent. Calendar. 14th Rep. St. Ent., Ill., pp. 4-5. 
(Notes on life history for year 1884.) 
LINTNER, J. A. Blissus leucopterus. 2nd Rept. State Ent., N. Y., pp. 148-164; 
figs. 37-38, 39 and 40. 


(Account of its occurrence in northern New York, résumé of its history, life history, 
remedial measures employed and recommended.) 


48 THE CHINCH BUG. 


1886. Hunt, THomas F. Blissus leucopterus. Bibliography of insects injurious to 
corn. Misc. Essays on Economic Ent., Ill. St. Bd. Agr., 1885. 

1886. WrBSTER, F. M. Blissus leucopterus. Insects affecting Fall Wheat. Rept. of 
Ent., Ann. Rept. Dept. Agr. 1885, p. 318. 


(A brief record of Chinch Bug observations during the season. Records Mermis as 
a possible parasite. ) 


1886. Forses, 8. A. Chinch Bug in Illinois. Circular of information from the 
office of State Entomologist. 
1887. BRUNER, LAWRENCE. Notes of the season. Bull. No. 13, Div. Ent., U.S. Dept. 
Agr., pp. 34, 35. 
(Brief notices of their appearance in Western States in 1886.) 
1887. ForBEs, 8. A. The present condition and prospects of the Chinch Bug in I}li- 
nois for 1887-88. Bull. No.2 of the State Entomologist. 


(Speaks of ravages for three years past, life history, food- piu preventive remedial 
measures exhaustively discussed.) 


) 


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BuLLETIN No. 18. 


THE LIFE 


HNTOMOLOGICAL WORK 


OF THE LATE 


TOWNEND GLOVER, 


FIRST ENTOMOLOGIST OF THE U. 8. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 


PREPARED, UNDER DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST, 


BY 


CHARLES RICHARDS DODGE. 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1888. 


Wes DEPARTMENT -OF AGRICULTURE: 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 18. 


PELE, sea BE 


AND 


HNTOMOLOGICAL WORK 


OF THE LATE 


poe INGE) Gl) VER, 


FIRST ENTOMOLOGIST OF THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


PREPARED, UNDER DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST, 
BY 
CHARLES RICHARDS DODGE. 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1888. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Washington, D. C., December 5, 1887. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit for publication Bulletin No. 18 of 
this division, being an account of the life and work of the late Townend 
Glover, my predecessor as United States Entomologist, prepared by 
Charles Richards Dodge. I had for some time thought of preparing a 
full bibliographical list of Glover’s writings with a general index 
thereto, because of the usefulness of such a publication in the work of 
the Division. Such a compilation would naturally lead to some brief 
statement of Mr. Glover’s character, and especially of his official life, 
and I would here acknowledge my indebtedness to Mr. Glover’s widow 
and to his cousins in London for their kindness in furnishing informa- 
tion. Mr. Dodge has fortunately been willing to relieve me of a task 
which he is far more able to accomplish, not only because of the data 
he has collected, but by virtue of his long and intimate relations, both 
private and official, with Mr. Glover, who could certainly have had no 
more appreciative biographer. 1 trust that the bulletin may prove ae- 
ceptable and useful to all interested in economic entomology. 

Respectfully, 
C. V. RILEY, 
Entomologist. 
Hon. NoRMAN J. COLMAN, 
Commissioner of Agriculture. 


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 


Boston, MAss., December 1, 1887. 

DEAR Sie: In undertaking to tell the story of Mr. Glover’s life, I feel 
that, while it is a pleasant privilege to be able to review such interest- 
ing reminiscences of our long acquaintance as may bear upon the man 
and his work, the account must be necessarily imperfect and incomplete 
in portions from lack of important data. 

The facts regarding his boyhood life are gleaned from your visits to, 
and correspondence with, Mr. C.G. Oates and Mr. Abram Clapham, of 
London, England—Mr. Oates’s mother and Mr. Clapham being Mr. 
Glover’s first cousins, the nearest English relatives who were living at 
the time,—and also from early personal diaries and family papers; 
loaned me by Mrs. Hopper. 

Mrs. Glover has rendered me valuable aid by furnishing important in- 
formation regarding dates, and by placing at my disposal a considerable 
amount of documentary evidence relating to the middle period of his 
life, which, with a few early letters and my own recollection of the man, 
and of many conversations with him touching upon his personal history, 
are the principal materials that have been available. I am also in- 
debted to you for portions of the bibliography of his entomological 
writings, prepared by Mr. B. P. Mann, and for your kind assistance in 
other directions. 

As the subject of this sketch was a man of great individuality, I have 
thought it best to present the main facts ot his life in such manner as 
will more fully bring out his personal attributes and peculiarities, and 
leave the treatment of his entomological and museum work, or that 
which bears directly on his connection with the Department of Agri- 
culture, to special chapters. Some of the extracts or incidents may 
seem trivial, but the make-up of the man embodies such diversity of 
talent, and at the same time presents such originality, that it has seemed 
best to use that material which will best show him forth as he was. 

[ am yours, respectfully, 
CHARLES RICHARDS DODGE. 

Prof. CHARLES V. RILEY, 

Entomologist, U. S. Department of Agriculture. 


or 


THE LIFE OF TOWNEND GLOVER. 


Prof. Townend Glover, the first entomologist of the United States 
Department of Agriculture, was born at Rio de Janeiro, February 20, 
1813. His paternal grandfather was Mr. Samuel Glover, a merchant of 
Leeds, England. His father, Mr. Henry Glover, an oniy son (though 
there were several daughtefs) married Miss Mary Townend, of Leaming 
Lane, Yorkshire, and was engaged in commercial pursuits at Rio de Ja- 
neiro when Townend Glover wasborn. His mother dying, afterafew days 
illness, when he was about six weeks old, he was sent to his relatives in 
England; and, upon the death of his father, which occurred some six 
years later, he was taken in charge of by his paternal grandmother 
and maiden aunt in Leeds. Here his education began, as he was placed 
in a private school of high reputation, of which the Rev. Mr. Holmes was 
preceptor. 

By nature the boy Townend was of a reserved disposition, making 
few close friendships outside the immediate circle of his own family. 
He was, nevertheless, abounding in high animal spirits, possessed of a 
strong sense of fun and humor, which always made him an agreeable and 
entertaining companion to those with whom he was wont to associate. 
In his studies at school he showed a fair degree of aptness, and being 
endowed with good abilities he is said to have acquitted himself with 
unfailing credit, and without any special effort on his part. 

Kven in boyhood his love for drawing showed itself, chiefly in cari- 
eature of the people about him, admirably done at that early period, it 
is said, his efforts sometimes bringing the youthful artist into trouble. 

The beginning of his love for entomology dates back to these early 
school-boy days, at which time, in company with the one congenial and 
intimate friend of his boyhood, a lad with similar tastes, he was already 
interested in making a collection of insects, which, it is said, he prepared 
and mounted with skill. As a boy he was very clever with his hands 
in anything requiring care and nicety, and was singularly quick and apt. 
And not only was he drawn towards the insect world, but natural history 
in all its branches, and even botany, had an early and peculiar fascina- 
tion for him. Upon leaving school, we are told that young Glover was 
prevailed upon by his friends to enter the warehouse of a firm of Leeds 
merchants, with a view to acquiring a knowledge of the woolen goods 


~ 


d 


8 


trade. Mr. Glover alludes to this in his diary (March 16, 1834) in char- 
acteristic language, as follows: 

Mr. C. this evening gave me my indentures of apprenticesbip to Thompson, Scarf 
& Co., by which I find that £300 of my money is gone forever, merely to learn the 
‘‘art and mystery” of a stuff merchant, a mystery I hope never to practice. 

What other plans for his future may have been made for him, or were 
entertained by himself at that time, are not known, though his aunt was 
once very desirious that he should study for the ministry. In after-life 
he frequently referred to this with satirical allusions to having beeu cut 
out for the clergy ; and in a letter written to friends in England many 
years after coming to America it is amusing to find a joking reference to 
his clerical education. In his commercial life, with its exacting routine, 
though utterly at variance with every instinct of his nature, he fulfilled 
the duties which the position-entailed upon him conscientiously aad 
with assiduity as long as he continued in ite The early discipline did 
him no harm, if, indeed, it did not fit him for the life of most exacting 
routine of his later years, to which, though self-imposed, he gave the 
best years of his existence. 

But there suddenly came an end to his commercial education, for at 
the age of twenty-one, or as soon as he had reached his majority, he 
shook himself free at once and forever from the trammels of business 
life. . 

His father had bequeathed him an ample fortune, but, as Mr. Glover 
once gave the story to the writer, through the perfidy of his father’s 
partners in business, or others associated with him in Rio, the fortune 
had been dissipated, save a portion which, unknown to Mr. Glover, 
until he had reached his majority, was reserved in trust by relatives 
in England. Mr. Glover not only thought that he had been cheated 
out of his patrimony, but on at least one occasion has intimated the 
suspicion that his father’s death had occurred from other than natural 
causes. Some weeks after arriving at his majority he received the small 
fortune held for him by relatives in Leeds, and having meantime fitted 
himself for going abroad by the study of German, he began active 
preparations for his journey. To one who has known Mr. Glover inti- 
mately in later life his diary kept at this period is most interesting, as 
showing, even at the age of twenty-one, so many of those traits of char- 
acter or individualisms, if the term may be used, which so strongly 
marked the mature man. Indifference to country or home, distrust of 
mankind and of the motives of people about him, self-reliance and a 
wish to be his own master, and at the same time frequent evidences 
of the good influences by which he had been surrounded in the family 
circle in which he was reared, appear on many pages. Some are so 
striking I can not forbear making a few brief extracts. 

During a short visit to Burneston, in April, 1834, he wrote : 

Sauntered about all day, reading Tam O’Shanter; begin to think a country life 
would be very tiresome. Could manage to spend some months very pleasantly in the 


9 


country, provided I had books, paint box, horse, gun, flute, etc., not forgetting a 
pleasant friend, without which a man might be tempted to shoot or drown himself 
for very ennui. 

The entry tor the next day is confined to three short lines: 

‘What with teasing the servant about her lover, plaguing the cat, and gossiping 
with the villagers, managed with difficulty to live the day out. 

Evidence of a restless nature, abhorring idleness. 

Having decided to indulge his taste for artist life and at the same 
time see something of the world, on the 19th of April, 1834, he quitted 
Leeds and started for Munich, with a view of putting himself upon a 
systematic course of study in different branches of painting. Regard- 
ing his leave-taking he says: 

Miss G. [his aunt] cried most prodigiously, as if I should never return homne—home 
did I say? I forgot that I have no home and that for the future I must consider the 
world as my home, or, rather, make a home wherever Iam. _ I leave some few people 
in Leeds whom I shall regret to lose, but on the whole I like my prospects very much. 

He spent nearly a month en route to Munich, stopping at Hamburg, 
Hanover, Gotha, and many other places, and arriving on the 14th of 
May. Here he began study at once, though at first he confined himself 
to the study of the German language under one Dr. Caflish, and it was 
not until a month later that he had made arrangements with the artist 
Mattenheimer, “the inspector ot the gallery,” to give him lessons in 

ruit and flower painting in oil. 

Under date of June 19, 1834, he writes: 

Took my first lesson in flower drawing and like it very much; he (Mattenheimer) 
says he sees that I have talent, from my drawings, and that in a little time I shall 
paint very well—flattery to make me learn—buit don’t care; if it pleases me I intend 
to continue it till I paint tolerably. 

A week later, this: 

For the first time handled palette and brushes and daubed a little in oil painting. 
Mightily pleased to have advanced so far; don’tintend to say anything about it to my 
friends in Leeds, or they will expect miracles of me. 

A few days after this his master has been trying to persuade him to 
be an artist. ‘ Will not, though, whatever he says,” closes the entry. 

Regarding his art work at this time it has been said of him that still- 
life and natural history subjects were his special delight, whether he 
painted in water colors or oils; and so successful was he in what he under- 
took in this way that with some who were well acquainted with his 
work, it was a source of regret that he did not make painting the seri- 
ous study of his life. Notwithstanding this statement, it is not likely 
that Mr. Glover would ever have madea great artist in the sense of pro- 
ducing strong, original pictures. From a study of examples of bis best 
efforts produced both in Europe and in America (oils and water colors), 
it is very evident that he was strongest in the direction of illustrative 
work, or close studies, where great detail and accuracy of delineation 
were absolutely essential. He was at his best in still-life, therefore, and 
especially in the painting of fruits, flowers, and the lesser animal life. 


10 


A number of his works in oil, which he brought to Washington, were 
only copies from the productions of his masters or other p.inters, and 
should not be taken as standards of his ability. 

His water color paintings of flowers and insects and a few natural 
history objects, are most exquisite examples of artistic illustration, and 
are drawn to the life, showing the expenditure ofa vast amount of labor 
and patience, and giving assurance in the artist of a fair eye for color. 
As arule they are painted with little attention to modeling, the color 
being laid on heavily, stippled and frequently lacking in transpareucy, 
and without attempt at composition in the sense of making pictures of 
them. But they are very realistic and sometimes quite decorative. 
Many of his early drawings of the Florida insects are as exquisitely fin- 
ished, though with his later originals he took less pains. When Mar- 
garet Fuller first saw some of the flower paintings she would hardly be- 
lieve that they had not been done under the microscope, so delicate was 
the work. Whether or not his extreme shortsightedness made it diffi- 
cult for him to paint in any other manner, it is impossible to say, how- 
ever well adapted to the labors of bis after life this special kind of work 
may have been. He could not have painted broadly had he desired to 
do so, for his almost microscopic vision saw everything in the minutest 
detail. This explains, too, why his after engravings of insects, par. 
ticularly of larvae, lack in action. 

After finishing his journeyings in Europe and having turned his back 
upon Munich, the study of art was still an absorbing interest with him. 
On his return to England he took up his abode at Leeds for a short time, 
and, in a room set apart for the purpose of a studio, and surrounded by 
pets of every conceivable description, he continued to paint with assi- 
duity. And it is pleasant to learn that his love of natural history shared 
equally with his love ofart. Many delightful reminiscences of the young 
painter-naturalist (who was now about twenty-three years old), are re- 
called by those who knew him at this time, all indicating the manner of 
life which he afterwards followed. Mr. Oates thus writes of him in a 
memorial sent to Professor Riley : 

He would sit before his easel with a favorite lizard nestled in his breast, his coat 
pockets tenanted by snakes, and a blackbird perched upon his shoulder, whilst hang- 
ing on the walls of his apartment might be seen some tiny gauze cages, daintily con- 
structed for the reception of tame spiders, which were periodically supplied with flies. 
There were also in the room a variety of other birds and such quadrupeds as mice, 
rats, and guineapigs, all pets in a greater or less degree. Glover’s early school friend, 
previously referred to, still living at Whitby in Yorkshire, particularly recollects vis- 
iting him in this apartment on one occasion when he was painting a bunch of grapes, 
his blackbird as usual upon his shoulder. Glover had just completed the painting of 
the grapes, when the fancy seized him to add a fly, as though it had alighted on the 
fruit. This he did, and had scarcely withdrawn his hand from the work, when the 
blackbird darted from its master’s shoulder and pecked lustily at the phantom fly. 
About this time Glover had begun to give some attention to copper-plate engraving, 


and also carved in wood. He sustained a great sorrow in the death of a littie girl, the 
child of a first cousin, who was devotedly attached to him and for whose amusement he 


11 


never wearied of exerting himself, for his affections once roused were acutely sensi- 
tive and tender. Glover was possessed of great physical activity, and though not 
skilled in horsemanship was fond of riding. On one occasion, it is stated, that whilst 
riding on a friend’s horse, which proved restive, he was thrown violently to the pave- 
ment, and his head striking the curbstone, he sustained a fracture of the skull. For 
some time his life remained in jeopardy, and though to all appearance he ultimately 
recovered from the effects of the accident, it has been suggested that the injury then 
received told on him in later years and led to the somewhat premature failure of his 
powers. 

Professor Glover has more than once stated to the writer that the 
scar upon the side of his head was made by the bursting of a gun bar- 
rel and Mrs. Glover verifies the statement. It occurred, too, before he 
went to Munich, for there is a reference to his fractured skull in his 
journal. However the injury was inflicted, I can not think the sug- 
gestion made above has any weight, as Mr. Glover’s peculiar and ir- 
regular mode of life in after afters, without recreation, and his pro- 
longe d ill-health for several years in a trying southern climate, were 
sufficient causes for his breaking down before reaching three score and 
ten. 

Whether or no Mr. Glover returned to Munich again can not be stated 
from any written records. During a few weeks of his first summer in 
Germany (1834), he made an extended pedestrian tour through the 
Tyrol with his German teacher by way of vacation and to learn the 
language. Some of his pencil sketches made in Tyrol are dated 1836, 
but as he-sailed for America June 24 of that year, he could only 
have made a flying visit to Germany, if at all. He decided to visit 
the United States through the representations of some relatives, young 
men who settled in America about this timé, though he did not at 
first entertain the idea of making it a permanent abiding place. His 
roving disposition prompting a period of adventure and sight-seeing 
before settling anywhere, he at first spent his time in travel. 

This was a turning pointinhis life. The fine, open scenery, the lakes 
and vast rivers of the United States appeared to exercise a powerful 
influence on his impressionable nature and led to his making it his home. 
For several years after coming to the New World he roamed at leisure 
through different parts of the country, and particularly in the South, 
making New Rochelle his headquarters, for there are records of his 
having remained in New Rochelle, near New York, at various times 
during the years 1836 to 1839. He was in New Rochelle August, 1836, 
and in that month started on a journey through New York State, thence 
West and South, the close of the year finding him in Louisiana and 
Texas. In 1837 he was again traveling about through the picturesque 
portions of New York State, and early in 1838 was once more South, 
visiting the Carolinas, Georgia, and adjacent States. 

Mis. Glover tells me that he finally settled in New Rochelle in: the 
spring of 1838, and here his dog and gun, or rod and boat, were almost 
constant companions; his boat, which be built and was very much 


12 


attached to, demanding the greater part of his time. When it was 
launched there were some lines written commencing : 

To Townend we drink, that lad of much fun, 

So deeply in love with his dog and his gun. 

A volume might be filled with the stories Mr. Glover has told me of 
his life at this period. He was ‘hail fellow, well met,” everywhere, 
having all the friends he desired (sometimes too many, doubtless), and 
devoting himself to pleasure. 

It was during a brief visit to Fishkill that Mr. Glover first met Miss 
Sarah T. Byrnes, an estimable young lady, and the daughter of Joseph 
T. Byrnes, a gentleman of prominence, who owned a large estate lying 
upon the banks of the Hudson. An attachment having sprung up be- 
tween them, they were married in September, 1840, in New Rochelle, 
and in the following spring went to live in Fishkill-on-the-Hudson (then 
known as Fishkill Landing), Mrs. Glover’s native place. 

During the five years which followed Mr. Glover chiefly interested 
himself in floriculture, in natural history studies, and taxidermy, a large 
case of the native birds of Dutchess County, N. Y., shot and prepared 
by him, still remaining in excellent condition, evidence of his taste and 
skill in this direction. He also employed a part of his time in art, as 
Mrs. Glover particularly remembers two large oil paintings, one of fruit, 
the other of flowers, which were produced at this time, and subse- 
quently presented to relatives in England. 

In the spring of 1846, in company with his wife, Mr. Glover visited 
his relations in England, remaining until fall. Upon his return he went 
to live upon his own place, which he had purchased from the Byrnes 
estate, and a more romantic and beautiful spot he could hardly have 
chosen. Lying upon the crest of a gentle slope, in sight of Storm King, 
the surrounding country broken into majestic hills and deep vales, at 
a point where the noble river makes a bend to the left and is joined by 
the creek which swept at the foot of his garden, the view was one of 
surpassing loveliness. I first saw it through the yellow haze of a bright 
October day and while viewing scenes which had been sofamiliar to him— 
the orchard that he had planted, the garden plot where he spent so 
much of his time, and the rocky creek, upon the banks of which he had 
had so many piscatorial triumphs, for he was an expert disciple of Wal- 
ton—the wonder came how he could have left it all, and become satisfied 
with the hum-drum life into which he drifted in later years. In this 
beautiful place, on his return from England, he began in earnest the 
life of a country gentleman, busying himself with the planting and care 
of fruit and ornamental trees, and with his garden, which was noted for 
its fine flowers and vegetables. He also paid considerable attention to 
the cultivation of small fruits, all the leading varieties of which were 
tested by him. ‘ 

Mr. Glover visited England again in the fall of 1849, and at this time 
spent some days at Walton Hail, in Wakefield. Mr. Oates states that 
while staying on one occasion with a cousin at Scarborough, with whom 


13 


he was on intimate terms, he chanced to meet Charles Waterton, who 
was stoppiug at the same place, and the two cousins subsequently be. 
came for a short time the guests of the veteran naturalist at Walton Hall. 
Upon his visit in 1849, Waterton presented Glover with several of his 
works, the ** Wanderings,” now in the possession of Mr. William H. Ed- 
wards, containing the naturalist’s autograph. 

During this period of Mr. Glover’s life, that is, the latter part of the 
forties, he made the acquaintance of Mr. A. J. Downing, and through 
the intimacy which followed he became deeply interested in pomology, 
his enthusiasm prompting him to devote himself to it for a time. Then 
came the desire to do something of practical and lasting value that might 
be appreciated beyond the narrow limits of the little world in which he 
moved. The scheme of illustrating American pomology by a series of 
perfect fac-similes, with special regard to the changes produced by differ- 
ences of soils and climates, was planned and entered upon. At first he 
experimented to find the best composition of which to make his models, 
and practiced with the laying on of color to get the most natural effects, 
His first efforts are said to have been very crude, but he worked persist- 
ently until success was attained, and then he began thecollection. Two 
rooms were set apart for a workshop, materials purchased in quantity, 
and the work was pushed as rapidly as possible during the fruit season, 
and continued for several years. 

The formation of this collection, without doubt, had more to do with 
altering the course of his after life than has been supposed, for through 
it the ten years of rural quiet at Fishkill were followed by a period of 
roaming again. At various times between 1849 and 1852 his collection 
of fruits were exhibited at State fairs and elsewhere, a number of cups 
and medals having been given him as prizes. They were once or twice 
exhibited in Albany, once in 1851 at the exhibition of the New York 
State Agricultural Society, and subsequently at a meeting or exhibition 
of the American Instite+s in New York, the collection at this time be- 
ing quite large. Correspondence in my possession shows that in 1852 
he arranged for an exhibition in Horticultural Hall, Boston, though I 
do not know that the fruits were ever exhibited there, though they were 
exhibited in several other places. 

Mr. Glover had now made considerable reputation as a pomologist. 
He was invited to act as ajudge at the New York State and other fairs, 
and wrote for the American Agriculturist on pomological subjects. A 
letter from the late Marshall P. Wilder, bearing date November 7, 1851, 
makes mention of a ‘“‘ beautiful and correct cast of a Louise Bonne de 
Jersey pear,” recently brought to his notice, the letter closing with an 
offer to send him some specimens of new fruits. 

The attention that these models had attracted and the commenda- 
tions Mr. Glover had received for his collection led him, in the winter 
of 1853-54, to take them to Washington for exhibition and possible 
sale. This was about the time that the new Bureau of Agriculture was 
established in the United States Patent Office, and Mr. Glover very 


14 


soon became connected with it. His commission bears date June 14, 
1854, and his appointment was made “for collecting statistics and other 
information on seeds, fruits, and insects in the United States.” A small 
cabinet was at once begun in the single room then devoted to the Bureau 
of Agriculture, the fruit models forming no small part of the exhibit. 

The collection of fruit models now comprised some 2,000 specimens; 
the matrices being also preserved and numbered, that duplicates might 
be made if desired. “It has taken $3,000 in cash and six years of un- 
remitting toil” to produce them, is Mr. Glover’s written testimony about 
this time concerning the collection. 

Mr. Glover’s name is not mentioned in any of the official reports of 
the Commissioner of Patents. By inference, however, we know that he 
held the dual position of entomologist and special agent, his duties 
necessitating travel upon various missions bearing upon the agricult- 
ural interests of the country, through the Southern States mainly, and 
at one time into South America. Charles Mason was Commissioner of 
Patents at this time, the chief clerk in charge of the Bureau being D. 
J. Browne, of New Hampshire. 

In 1854 Mr. Glover studied in the field the insects affecting various 
crops, the summer months being spent in South Carolina investigating 
the grape insects and the insects injurious to cotton. In 1855 he was 
ordered to Florida, where he occupied himself during the entire season 
of five or six months in studying the habits of various insects and in 
investigations upon the insect enemies of cotton. In a private letter he 
alludes to this summer having been spent most pleasantly ** with alli- 
gators, mosquitoes, and red bugs.” It may be worthy of note that 
nearly all the drawings which subsequently appeared in his twenty-two 
plates of the cotton insects were made at this time in and about Tal. 
lahassee, though his field of observation extended from Columbia, S. C., 
southward. It wasin this year, too, that he first met the one congenial 
friend and companion of his Florida experiences, a worthy gentleman, 
Mr. Henry Wells, the friendship lasting through life. Mr. Wells was 
always dignified with the pseudonym ‘“ Alligator” to the last of their 
acquaintance, Mr. Glover’s correspondent appellation being “ Old June 
Bug.” 

The experiences of this season also inspired the Florida litany, which 
Mr. Glover was want to repeat upon occasions with great satisfaction. 
He was frequently asked for copies of the lines, and he always returned 
an emphatic ‘‘ no,” for he never would allow original verse of this de- 
scription to get out of his possession, at least when he could help it. 
Here is the litany as jotted down by me during a chance recital not 
long after a refusal to make a copy of the lines: 


From red-bugs and bed-bugs, from sand-flies and land-flies, 
Mosquitoes, gallinippers, and fleas, 

From hog-ticks and dog-ticks, from hen-lice and men-lice, 
We pray thee, good Lord, give us ease: 

And all the congregation shall scratch and say Amen. 


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In the winter of 1856~57 he was ordered to British Guiana and Ven. 
ezuela to take charge of an expedition having for its object the restock- 
ing of the Louisiana sugar plantations, the native cane having deterio- 
rated to a degree affecting the sugar interest. An appropriation of 
$10,000 having been granted for the purpose, the bark Release, with 
a competent crew, was placed at 
the disposal of the Patent Office, 
and Mr. Glover, as the Government 
agent, placed in charge of the ex- 
pedition. He was in every way 


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successful, bringing a large cargo of cane to New Orleans, though he 
was attacked with fever very soon after, the result of his exposure in a 
malarious country, and for a time was very ill. A couple of caricatures 
of himself made at the time are interesting. (See Figs. 1 and 2.) 


16 


About the middle of August, 1857, he wasordered to Mississippi, 
where the remainder of the season was spent in visiting cotton planta- 
tions in different portions of the State. It was a hard season for him, as 
he was sick during the greater portion of the time, often being con- 
fined to his bed. An entry in his journal October 6 is characteris- 
tic. ‘Quarrel between doctors, so I have to dismiss one, and the other 
says it is no use to attend. Saved my life by it.” 

It is worthy of mention that at this time his observations were not 
confined to entomology alone, but to all branches of natural history. 
Indeed, he let nothing new escape him in any field of experience, his 
‘“mems.” indicating observations upon insects other than affecting cot- 
ton, cotton diseases, soils and earths, vegetation, STS animals, reptiles, 
fattian mounds, and even human nature. 

The year 1858 marks the period of his investigations upon orange 
insects, he having been ordered to Florida in the latter part of April, 
where he remained throughout the season. It was an eventful year, 
inasmuch as it was marked by events which later on led to his severing 
his connection with the Patent Office, and beginning his work on ento- 
mology. 

He now had made the acquaintance of Baron Osten Sacken, Dr. 
Morris, Mr. Ubler, and other of the earlier American entomological 
authorities, and had become a member of the Washington Naturalists’ 
Club. In the records of his life at this period are frequent occurrences 
of the names of Professors Henry, Baird, Girard, Drs. Hayden, Kenni- 
cott, Clemens, Forman, Meek, Messrs. Ulke, Cooper, and others, with 
allusions to prominent Senators and Congressmen of the day. It was 
almost at the beginning of this year, too, that the first evidences of 
friction between himself and his immediate superior officer became 
apparent. He was working at this time upon the plates of his Cotton 

-Insects and Diseases, besides engraving special plates for publication 
in the annual volume, under the direction of his superior, D. J. Browne. 

In January we find such brief entries as the following: “ Blow up 
with B. about article on plows.”—“At work etching tea-plant.”— 
“ Writing reply to weevil article.”—“ Row about sorghum.” 

In February: “Heard at Browne’s about Kennicott wanting Fitch 
here.”—“ Bothering about bees for Browne. Made sketch; not right.”— 
‘‘ Etching and fussing about the bee plate for B., as he don’t know what 
he wants.”—* Evening at B.’s; he will write all my reports himself, and 
makes an ass of himself and a tool of me. Don’t and won’t acknowl- 
edge it, as I have never written a word of what he says, and he has not 
looked at my report yet.” 

In Mareh: “ Evening at Girard’s, who advises me to stay, although 
D. J. B. will make a false report of me.”—‘‘Another row with D. J. B. 
He must be crazy.” 

In April: ‘Browne at my room, evening, grumbling about Dr. Hig- 
gins trying to supersede him; he has got an idea (Heaven knows why) 


17 


that Iam as great a naturalist as Audubon! That Audubon had Baech- 
man to write his articles, and [ have (Lord save the mark !)” Browne!— 
‘Still waiting orders. Smithsonian—no cans, no bottles, no tins, no 
nothin’ ”.—“ Spoke to Shugart, who will see Commissioner about my 
report.”—* Off to Florida,” ete. 

Through May and June he was hard at work in the field observing, 
sketching, and experimenting with solutions for the destruction of the 
orange insects. An extract from an official letter to him, signed by his 
superior officer and bearing date June 23, is interesting at this point. 
After referring to what has been done and the difficulties in the way it 
says: ‘ But a more effectual remedy would seem to consist in covering 
the entire tree with some glutinous fluid, which would close up the aper- 
tures of the shells and prevent escape of the perfect insects. Blood has 
been suggested as being both feasible and economical, preserved by salt- 
ing, and made sufficiently dilute with water to be readily applied with a 
syringe. Near the regions where the orange tree flourishes in Florida 
the alligator is found in great numbers. It is well known that this rep- 
tile abounds in blood, which could readily be taken in the winter, when 
it is in an inactive state. This blood could be preserved in casks, ete. 

July 3, this entry: “ Killed alligator. After stabbing him in the 
neck and dividing vertebre he still lived several hours. Not one pint 
of blood in its whole carcass, and nearly 5 feet long—one quart to 10 
feet ; 100 alligators to 25 gallons. Absurd!” As no after mention is 
made of this proposed remedy, and there is no reference to it in Mr. 
Glover’s published report, it doubtless did not amount to anything. 

A year after, however, when Mr. Glover had left the office, a series 
of articles against D. J. B. appeared in a Washington paper, signed 
with a nom de plume, and among other things this matter was touched 
upon. While Mr. Glover would never admit that he had written the 
articles, he never denied their authorship. They bear his unmistakable 
ear-marks, however, and were preserved by him with other personal 
writings. Asan exampleof rich satire this one extract on the alligator 
question is presented : 

I have been credibly informed by a gentleman who has had some practical experi- 
ence in combatting his (the alligator’s) obstinate disposition to shuffle off this mortal 
coil, that. being an animal of warm and generous blood and of a highly excitable 
temperament, he will yield the almost fabulous amount of one pint of the much-desired 
crimson fluid. One of 10 feet then will give 2 pints, and 100 of that length somewhero 
in the neighborhood of 20 gallons. Two hundred negroes might possibly capture 100 
alligators in a day, one being necessary to hold the head and another the tail, whilst 
the surgical operator undertakes the pleasing task of relieving him of his claret. 
Supposing, then, each negro to measure only 5 feet in height, the account would stand 
as follows: 1,000 feet of negroes to capture and demolish 1,009 feet of alligators, the 
produce of which would be20 gallons of the coccus exterminating blood. Estimating, 
then, the hire of each darkey at $1 a day, making $200 for 20 gallons of sanguinary 
fluid, which might effectually syringe twenty oramge trees in a grove, and, without 
mentioning the fees of the saurian phlebotomist, you have one of the most astounding 


14162—Bull 18 2 


18 


examples of economy in labor that has ever yet soothed and flattered the otium cum 
dignitate of a labor-shirking and a labor-saving world. Wonderful D. J. B.! Contid- 
ing ex-Commissioner! Happy and grateful Floridians !” 

A caricature on this theme, drawn by Mr. Glover in 1859, with him- 
self portrayed as the “saurian phle- 
botomist,” is presented herewith 
(Fig. 3). 

During the remainder of the year 
1858, while in Florida, he was in- 
dustriously employed with field 
observations, visiting plantations 
and groves in different parts of the 
State, syringing whole groves of 
orange trees, engraving his plates 
and writing his notes, besides other 
work for the Department, such as 
collecting live oak acorns, ete. He 
U orders the WS pains te Se eck ice was sick much of the time, and com- 


abl gators /Secenti : : ie 
te trees i seca nero ‘ehereey Ve aL oremae plains sorely of mosquitoes and simi- 
Tes ee coh lumely beeaus seo orders comnot: 


lar insect pests. A characteristic 
entry in his journal is as follows: 
“ Btching, itching, and scratching as usual from 8 to4; scratching with 
pen from 8 till 12, and with finger nails continually.” 

He severed his connection with the office very early in 1859. His 
final report is published in the volume for 1858, and in the Commission- _ 
er’s report in the same volume the statement is made that ‘‘ the Ento- 
mologist has brought his labors to aclose.” The principal reason for 
his leaving the service was his inability to get along with the chief 
clerk, whom he always considered of small ability, and a man who shone 
only by borrowed light. 

The appreciation of his efforts by others always gave Mr. Glover great 
satisfaction. A little glimpse of this side of his nature, in statements 
made confidentially to his cousin (Mr. Clapham), I trust will not be con- 
sidered out of place here: 

I am disgusted with United States service, as I have been situated, subject to the 
whims and orders of a maceuvering and ignorant charlatan; no doubt I could re-en- 
ter in winter if I wished, as all the members and Senators are friendly to my views, 
but I will not unless I have more scope and privileges, and can do my work in my own 
way. As soon asthe former Commissioner, the Hon. Judge Mason, heard of my being 
out of the service he at once told me if I would accept a situation next fall in Iowa, 
he would have me appointed to make an (agricultural) entomological survey of the 
State; and my friend, Doctor Rock, writes to me that he is now endeavoring to have a 
bill passed for that purpose. This was a great compliment, as Judge Mason is uni- 
versally admitted to be one of the ablest and most intelligent officers who has ever 
been in Government service and, as my chief, always treated me as well as possible. 
At the same time he told me that ‘‘ he always considered me as one of the chief stays 
of the Agricultural Bureau, if not the chief stay itself,” and paid me the compliment 
that the service had lost one of its best men when I left. Such things written to you 


Fig. 3. 


19 


may, and no doubt will, sound egotistical, but to me they are very gratifying, as 
showing the feelings of my late chief. 


It was at this time that he wrote: 

Heaven only knows where my fate may lead me, for at present I am like a feather 
wafted by the wind. If a good offer were made me, would start to-morrow for 
either Van Dieman’s land or Kamschatka. 

But his fate led him to remain in Washington City for a time, where 
he occupied himself in making new acquaintances and gathering mate- 
rials for the commencement of his work on American Entomology— 
meanwhile using his influence toward the removal of the chief clerk, 
D. J. Browne. 

It has been said of Mr. Glover: 

In his dealings with meu he was just even to a degree that was generous; but his 
prejudices were strong and almost unyielding. He never forgot a kindness, nor was 
he in tae least delinquent in his recognition of a favor. 

It may be added that he never forgot an injury and rarely forgave it ; 
and concerning his old chief, he always spoke in terms of most sub- 
lime contempt. He attacked his plagiaristic failings by means of the 
“deadly parallel” column, in the public press of the day, and wrote 
pages besides. His life of D. J. B. (not published), in the form of a 
dozen pen and ink caricatures, is as taking as a Thackeray sketch, the 
drawing being superlatively grotesque, while the explanations abound 
in telling hits. This set of drawings would bear reproduction were 
they not so personal. (The alligator’s blood caricature is from this 
series. ) 


<> 2 


The eee a els 
a hedl a dream which was now aha plenary : (Byron) 


Fic. 4. An early caricature. 


20 


While upon this theme it may be mentioned that several of Mr. 
Glover’s caricatures, nade at an earlier period, were reproduced in 
copper by himself for the amusement of his friends. Many others, not 
so reproduced, and done in ink or pencil, show him to have been a 
caricaturist of no mean pretensions. The drawing is frequently gro- 
tesque and the action superb, while the satire is most pointed. The 
caricature habit followed him through life, many examples having beeu 
made while he was entomologist of the Department of Agriculture. 
These were more hastily drawn, however, and were destroyed as soon 
as shown to a select circle of friends. But he was even more severe in 
shafts of doggerel verse, which were often written upon the spur of the 
moment, wholly impromptu, and by means of which he was able to hold 
up to ridicule those (sometimes in high official position) who had of- 
fended him. But he never allowed a duplicate copy to be made, and it 
is doubtful if there is one in existence. 

For several months Mr. Glover continued to reside in Washington, 
and in the fall of the same year (1859) he entered the Maryland Agri- 
cultural College as professor of natural sciences, though at a merely 
nominal salary. Here he spent all of his time, when not engaged in field 
work or in teaching and lecturing, in prosecuting the work on his re- 
cently begun Illustrations of American Entomology, and in making a 
collection of birds and insects. His life at the college was uneventful, 
save that it gave him time to accomplish a vast amount of labor in two 
important directions, and in April, 1863, about nine years after his first 
connection with the Agricultural Bureau of the Patent Office, he was 
appointed United States Entomologist, under Hon. Isaac Newton, the 
new Department of Agriculture having been established in 1862, and 
he entered upon the duties of the office at one. 

His first reports, issued in 1863 and 1864, being for the most part 
popular papers upon the more common insects injurious to vegetation 
in the several orders, together with brief remedies for their destruction, 
tell us little of his employment at this period. But we know that he 
made a second beginning of his museum in August, 1864, the reports 
of the time giving intimations of the new interest which was now ab- 
sorbing his thoughts. Though the report for 1865 closes with another 
popular paper (relating to the uses of insects from an economic stand- 
point), the consideration of seeds, grains, fibers, silkworms, birds, poul- 
try, and domestic animals, including Angora goats, explains the manner 
in which a large share of his time was now occupied. He received con- 
siderable assistance at this time from his confidential clerk, Mrs. L. 
B. Adams, a lady of fine intellectual attainments, who had had some 
experience in literary and editorial work, and who took a great inter- 
estin the new museum. The first part of this report for 1865 gives evi- 
dence of her assistance ; in fact the preparation of these documents was 
the most difficult and irksome of Mr. Glover’s duties as entomologist: 
He always shirked the responsibility as long as possible, and when it 


21 


could be put off no longer the work was begun and put through with 
dispatch to the exclusion of everything else. He was not a ready 
writer, and in much of his correspondence even, he first made a rough 
draught of what he wished to say, from which the clean mailing copy was 
afterwards prepared. Copies of official letters only were preserved, the 
rule of the office requiring it, as during the entire period of Mr. Glover’s 
term as entomologist the Commissioner of Agriculture signed all pub- 
lic communications. 

As to the manner of preparing his reports, they were usually written 
in pencil, with scarcely any attempt at punctuation, little attention be- 
ing paid to paragraphs or even to periods and capitals; the work of 
putting into shape for pubiication, the most disagreeable of all employ- 
ments for Mr. Glover, was then given to others—his earlier reports to 
his confidential clerk and the later ones to the writer. He always 
knew what he wanted to say, however, as far as subject-matter was 
concerned, leaving expression to take care of itself. He wrote in con- 
densed style, at times rushing over the paper rapidly, rarely referring to 
authorities save where he wished to quote literally, with credit, pro- 
ducing his manuscript “out of his head” mainly, from a rough outline 
previously prepared, giving the subjects to be treated. The drawings 
for illustration were prepared in two ways, either drawn carefully from 
the insect and finished in ink, or they were cut from proofs of his cop- 
per plates, and touched up or not as might be required, before sending 
to the wood engraver or lithographer. The illustrations for his last re- 
port on the Hymenoptera were all reproduced from figures cut from his 
plates in this manner and arranged under his direction by others. 

The months of August and September, 1865, were spent in Paris in 
attendance upon the entomological convention held that year, and at 
which he received the grand gold medal of the Emperor. This was given 
for his work on entomology, which was adjudged by the jury “ to be orig- 
inal in its style and character and deserving to be copied by the ento- 
mologists of France as a desideratum inthe application of the science to 
agriculture.” The notes concerning the entomological exhibition as 
well as those relating to the industrial or economic museums visited by 
him during his stay abroad, appear in the volume for 1865 as a second 
report. Unquestionably this visit to Europe gave a great impetus to 
his museum work, and by familiarizing himself with the systems in 
vogue in other museums of a similar character, he was enabled to pro- 
duce a better scheme for his own. 

The year 1867 was marked by the sale of his collection of fruit models 
to the Government, which, with the collection of birds, included in the 
sale, and the mass of material gotten together during the two years 
that had passed since the museum was established, made quite an in- 
teresting exhibit. The scheme was now fairly realized, and, with the 
increased correspondence which it imposed upon the division, and the 
preparation of additions to its collections—now quite numerous—the 
entomologist’s time was occupied by divided interests. The year 1867 


22 


was a busy one. The work of the division had increased so rapidly 
that more help was necessary, and an assistant was assigned to him. 
At this time Mr. Glover was very busy with the preparation of his 
books of manuscript notes, particularly in Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, 
adding to the mass of material which had accumulated for so many 
years compilations from other authorities, to the end of “completing 
to date” the histories of the insects he had figured. He was in frequent 
correspondence at this time with Dr. Walsh, Messrs. Uhler, Riley, San- 
born, Grote, and Robinson, and other leading entomologists, receiving 
from them new material for the Department collection, or to be figured 
in his work, sending them in return new species for description from 
the material which was beginning to be received from colleetors in the 
South and West. ale 

The museum was now attracting considerable attention, and the num- 
ber of visitors was steadily increasing. To a man of Mr. Glover's 
enthusiastic temperament, so ready a means of imparting information 
and proving to the world the value of his ideas as now presented it- 
self, was not to be lost. So it came about that by no means the least 
interesting of the objects there to be seen by visitors was the ento-. 
mologist himself. Notwithstanding that Mr. Glover’s life for many 
years had been that of a recluse—for in his devotion to his entomolog- 
ical work it amounted to the same thing—he was a social being, and 
thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking with people of intelligence and 
appreciation, whether strangers or not. It was a portion of the duties 
of his assistants, at this time, to interest the museum visitors as far as 
possible, and to explain to them its objects and uses. Professor Glover 
kindly took upon himself a just proportion of this rather tedious occu- 
pation—members of Congress, Senators, and other high officials, includ- 
ing strangers who were in any way prominent, being his especial prey. 
The professor always maintained that duty alone called him from his 
desk upon these occasions ; but sometimes there were ladies in the par- 
ties, and the frequent peals of langliter from a merry group convinced 
us, in our quiet corners, that the entomologist might have made himself 
a very agreeable society man had he chosen to divorce himself from work 
long enough to indulge in such frivolous existence. None could blame 
him if indeed this devotion to duty at such times was mere pretense, 
for it was almost his only contact with the world, and “all work and 
no play” does not conduce to the proverbial “ Jack’s” intellectual de- 
velopment. 

In these years he was residing at the corner of Seventh and H streets, 
occupying a single room which he was pleased to call his “den,” and 
in which, from choice, he ate, slept, wrote, sketched, engraved, and saw 
his few intimate friends. What with his engraving and writing tables, 
his book cases (constructed from boxes), trunks, tool-chest, and insect 
cases, in addition to the stove and regular bedroom furniture, there was 
little space te spare. But it was all he desired at the time, though a 
very great change came over him in his manner of living a few years 


23 


later, after having taken up his abode on Twelfth street, near F street. 
Though a single room was sufficient at first, the need of a parlor ere 
long began to be appreciated; and he subsequently added to his suite 
a bedroom for the use of his chance visitors. The larger part of his 
library was brought to these apartments, bric-a-brac and souvenirs of 
travel were displayed, his pictures hung; and as he never did anything 
by halves, these accumulated so rapidly by purchase that the vacant ~ 
wall space of the three rooms was in time literally covered. A deserip- 
tion of these apartments will not be out of place. 

The carpeted floors were covered with skins of animals, some of them 
quite valuable, and not altogether devoid of beauty. In two of the 
windows were plants, and a mass of vines clambered to the ceiling. 
Near a side window was an aquarium filled with fish, turties, and 
aquatic plants, an ingenious fountain, of his own make, playing upon 
some rock-work in the center, while English ivy was trained upon a wire 
trellis around the window. The books were disposed in narrow, high 
cases (boxes set one upon another, with glass-door fronts), and upon 
the dressing-case between the front windows rested a heavy silver tank- — 
ard, a family heirloom. The center table was covered with valuable 
books, ceramics, and bric-a brac, the mantel opposite supporting a bronze 
clock, with carvings and quaint metal work disposed about the shelf. 
Against the paneling of the black mantel were hung a collection of 
pipes gathered in his travels, some of them made by Indians. Around 
the room upon light cireular stands were displayed several glass cases 
of richly plumaged humming birds and gaudy exotic butterflies and 
beetles ; and over a central book-case was perched a solemn white owl 
in spectacles, reading its own history from a work on ornithology. 
This was hisparlor. In the room adjoining (his bedroom) the wall upon 
one entire side was covered with fire-arms, bows and arrows, toma- 
hawks, and other warlike objects, a human scalp of long black hair 
forming the rosette to one of his fantastic trophies. Another part of 
the wall was devoted to rods, nets, and implements of piscatorial sport. 
At one window stood his large writing table, and at the other a similar 
table covered with his engraving tools, etching materials, bottles, boxes, 
etc. Around the wood-work of the mantel-piece in this room were 
hung cooking apparatus, certainly showing hard usage, and at the third 
window, looking to the south, there were several cages of singing birds. 
Some easy chairs, the bed, a stove, and a small refrigerator completed 
the furnishing of the second room, while the third of the suite was 
simply a bedroom, tastefully furnished and adorned. It was a veritable 
curiosity shop where a very pleasant evening could be spent. I must 
not forget the decanter of sherry, the French kisses and confections or 
fruit, served upon pink shell plates, which always formed a part of his 
welcome to his visitors. When there were no visitors, however, the 
rooms were dark, save as lighted by a student lamp with a heavy green 
shade which always stood upon his writing table in the corner of the 
bedroom, for he was never idle when alone. 


24 


In 1868 the Department removed to its new building, and the ento- 
mologist was assigned to better quarters. The three or four years 
which followed were marked by no striking events, though Mr. Glover 
labored on in his chosen work more indefatigably than ever, extending 
his name and fame through the growth of his museum and through his 
writings and large correspondence, as well as by the knowledge of his 
progress in his work on entomology. It was during this time that a 
large adjoining room to his own was granted him for the use of his 
division, and for the establishment of an entomological cabinet. This 
was fitted up with low show-cases similar to those in the museum, one 
or two of which were supplied with drawers for the insect collections. 
Mr. Glover took very little interest in the entomological cabinet, how- 
ever, either in the preparation of the specimens and their classification 
and arrangement or as a matter of reference afterward. But he always 
went carefully through all new collections as soon as received, in search 
of fresh material for his work, laying aside such as interested him, after 
which the remainder of the collection had no further attraction for him. 
He was interested in having a collection, though he often declared that 
a series of well-drawn colored figures were quite as useful. 

Now comes the publishing period of his life, if it may be so termed, 
the years from 1872 to 1878, during which time he issued four volumes 
and distributed twelve sets of his entire work, all except the Lepidop- 
tera being supplied with the names. In 1871 he took up the Orthoptera, 
which had been neglected by him for many years, and added half a 
dozen or more plates, the labors of Mr. Cyrus Thomas upon new west- 
ern material (from the surveys and elsewhere) proving the incentive. His 
Orthoptera was published in 1872, and was followed at intervals of two 
years or less by the other works. This matter is fully discussed, how- 
ever, in another chapter. 

The incessant labor of this period, with little exercise and no recrea- 
tion—noteven the Sabbath rest—told heavily upon Mr. Glover. He 
took no leaves of absence, though repeatedly urged to do so, although 
occasional visits to the country or to Baltimore, upon Sundays in sum- 
mer, gave him a little change from the monotony of his every-day ex- 
istence. At one time he had a strong desire to visit Floridaagain, and 
later, after partially recovering from his first serious illness, he was 
strongly advised to go, his old friend, Mr. Wells (‘ Alligator”) being 
suggested as a companion on the trip. He continued at his work, how- 
ever, though in the last year or two of his official life he was more care- 
ful of his health, eating more rationally and regularly, and partaking 
less of cold or such ready-cooked food as could be eaten at any time. 
He now devoted the Sunday afternoons, when pleasant, to walking, in 
company with the gentleman with whom he resided, and seemed less 
averse to having his evenings broken in npon by visitors. He even 
went out now and then evenings, when he could have the company of 
a friend to and from his lodgings, as it was difficult for him to get about 
easily after dark, and he disliked to be in the streets alone on account 


25 


of his defective vision. For this reason, during the last ten years of 
his life he attended no meetings of scientific or other societies, not even 
the meetings of the Masonic lodge of which he had been a member. 

But the long years of constant application, together with possible im- 
prudences in his manner of living and exposure to malarial climates at 
earlier periods, broke him down at last. We missed him from his ac- 
customed place one morning, and when an hour had passed and he did 
not appear the circumstance was so unusual that a messenger was 
dispatched to his rooms to learn the cause of his detention. The an- 
swer was returned that Mr. Glover was very ill. How ill was not ap- 
preciated by the writer until, standing by his bedside and listening to 
his incoherent utterances, the unwelcome thought was forced upon the 
mind that his labors were nearly finished. And so it proved, for al- 
though he recovered in a measure from this sudden prostration and 
lived for several years, he was never able to resume his work, save as 
he interested himself in some such slight occupation, for sake of reliev- 
ing ennui, as copying lists of names to accompany his plates. Though 
his successor, Charles V. Riley, was soon appointed, he was still con- 
tinued on the rolls of the Department at a less salary, coming to the 
office as he was able, although in reality he rendered no service. But 
in time his health further failed him. His disease had made such in- 
roads upon his once iron constitution that it was unsafe for him to re- 
side in Washington away from his friends, and then he unwillingly 
left Washington to take up his residence in Baltimore with his adopted 
daughter, Mrs. D. C. Hopper. 

Of the remaining years of his life there is little that can be written. 
Feeling that his active labors were over, he disposed of his entomologi- 
cal library, presented his birds, exotic insects, and other natural his- 
tory specimens to the Druid Park Museum, and, as he had already 
memorialized Congress for the sale of his plates, his MSS. having been 
deposited with Professor Baird at the Smithsonion Institution, there 
was little to occupy his thoughts but his own sufferings and the trifling 
things of every day existence. Thus, almost blind and too feeble to go 
far from home alone, he virtually retired from the world. 

After so many years of busy life in the nation’s capital, the reaction 
produced by the life of positive repose, both mental and physical, which 
followed his coming to Baltimore must have been terrible. The full 
force of the suggestion never came to me until the occasion of my first 
visit to him amid his new surroundings. He evinced a boyish pleas- 
ure at seeing me, and his eye brightened as kind messages were given 
him from friends and associates in Washington, or when the old life 
was touched upon; but withal an air of sadness made itself apparent 
which told me that he was not altogether happy. Passing over other 
visits I come to the last one, some months before he died, the recollec- 
tion of which is as vivid as though it were but yesterday. Tor a time 
he seemed like his old self, save that suffering and disease had laid a 
heavy hand upon him; but after a while he began to talk of himself, 


26 


and with a voice husky with emotion, and with eyes suffused with tears, 
he told me how unhappy he was and how he longed for the end to come. 
Among other things he felt keenly the neglect of his old friends, some 
of whom were residing then in Baltimore, and whom, he said, had never 
called upon him or helped to relieve in any way the monotony of his 
existence. My leave-taking from him on this occasion was most pain- 
ful. I remained with him as long as I could do so, but when time 
came to depart he clung to my hand like a child, walking with me out 
upon the door-step, and stood looking after me as I walked away. I 
never saw him again. His death came peacefully on the 7th of Sep- 
tember, 1883, surrounded by his immediate family, his wife, and adopted 
daughter, and he was laid at rest in the Loudon Park Cemetery, near 
Baltimore. \ 


One who knew Mr. Glover intimately for twenty or more years of his 
life has said of him, ‘In his personal habits and intercourse he was 
peculiar.” He was peculiar even to the verge of eccentricity, yet in 
summing up the many traits of his character, to his very peculiarities 
is due mainly the measure of success in life to which he attained. He 
was a man of few friends. In bis youth the friendship of one or two 
enthusiastic boy lovers of nature, like himself, who could enter into his 
pursuits and think as he thought, satisfied him. In middle life, after a 
residence of five years in Washington, he says of himself, in touching 
upon this theme, ‘Acquaintances I have made many, but friends none.” 
That he made few friends I think was due to several causes—a slight 
distrust of mankind in tbe first place, coupled with a feeling that too 
close intimacy would bring a greater or less degree of annoyance. Then 
he wasa man so thoroughly interested and absorbed in his own pursuits 
that few who came in contact with him, particularly in later life, found 
in him that responsiveness or congeniality that one expects to call out 
in a thorough man of the world. But it may be said of him, once a 
friend always a friend. 

Not averse to society, he enjoyed himself in it, yet in general terms 
he regarded time spent in complying with its demands asso many hours 
wasted. I scarcely ever knew a man whose character was made up of 
such opposing traits. He was most generous in many things which, in 
the estimation of the world, go to make up generosity, yet in the matter 
of personal concerns, as far as the world went, his self-interest was so 
absorbing thatit left no heed for the interests of others. ‘Never trouble 
Mr. Glover with your own affairs” was a gentle hint conveyed to me as 
a piece of advice a few months after I became his assistant. Heeding 
it, I won, in time, his friendship, and then another side of his nature 
was revealed tome. An exacting task-master with himself at all times, 
he demanded fuli and unhesitating compliance with his wishes, when 
once made known, from those over whom he exercised authority ; and 
yet where the disposition was shown to be diligent and faithful or ioyal 


‘ 


2U 


he allowed the largest liberty. Strong in his opinions, preferring that 
his own suggestions should take precedence of the suggestions of oth- 
ers whom he thought less thoroughly informed upona given subject, he 
was never unreasonable save when the views of others ran counter to 
his prejudices, and then he was as inflexible asiron. A little child could 
lead him, but a regiment of soldiers could not drive him. 

In disposition he was serious but rarely melancholy or cynical. On 
the contrary, he had arare fund of humor and a keen sense of the ridicu- 
lous, appreciating a joke whether at his own expense or the expense 
of a friend, and never losing an opportunity for its enjoyment. His sa- 
tire was pointed, his sarcasm cutting, the most common modes of ex- 
pression being caricature and verse, in either of which he was very 
ready. But he could also write very pleasant verse in a humorous vein 
when wrought up to his subject, two examples of which, in my posses- 
sion, ‘*The Velocipede” and “A Valentine” (and very personal to the 
writer) are highly-prized mementoes. ‘He never forgot a kindness,” 
and it was not easy for him to forgive an injury, nor did he ever regain 
confidence in those who deceived him or endeavored to use him. Of a 
jealous nature, he was sometimes suspicious, and like many others with 
this disposition, he was quick-tempered, and his anger, when aroused, 
for the time being was almost uncontrollable. 

Susceptible to the world’s praise, he shrank from its censure, which 
may be given as one reason for his never having described an insect. 
Mr. Glover could never have been a specialist. While recognizing the 
importance of, and necessity for, technical work to the end of settling 
the vexed questions of classification and synonomy, he had no patience 
with those whom he designated as *‘ species grinders,” and in his private 
discourse was often quite denunciatory in his criticisms of their work. 
He often made the boast that he had never named an insect, and as often 
declared it to be his opinion that many of the existing species in our 
lists were but varieties. In his entomological work generally he was 
exceedingly cautious in making statements and averse to “rushing 
into print;” he often underrated his own judgment in an endeavor to 
be on the side of fact, and he was always just in giving credit to others. 

In his habits of living he chose to be untrammelled by the conven- 
tionalities of custom, attending to necessities of existence in a way that 
offered the least personal inconvenience to himself. So the man who 
from having moved in the cultivated society of his home on the Hud- 
son, had in the performance of duty come to “herd with negroes and 
Indians in Demerara, where a white man is as good as a darkey,” or 
summered in the Florida swamps ‘“ with pet alligators and rattlesnakes,” 
found it no hardship to prepare a simple breakfast while the wax was 
hardening upon his copper plate, or to eat it, while perchance the acid 
was eating into the shining metal. His walk at sundown and his restau- 
rant dinner later, his chief mental and physical recreation, gave him 
zest for his evening’s work. 


28 

He was methodical without being systematic. His very life in later 
years was a life of routine only broken here and there by Sabbath 
visits to “* Woodside,” the childhood home of his adopted daughter. Nor 
was he idle during these visits, for upon his return Monday morning he 
always brought back a considerable amount of fresh entomological ma- 
terial, the result of his field rambles and excursions, frequently an- 
nouncing a new fact or discovery, or displaying some unknown larve 
to rear, and always exhibiting something interesting. 

His enthusiasm was the maipspring of his endeavor, his untiring in- 
dustry, coupled with method, the means of accomplishing the under- 
takings which it prompted. He cared little for the good opinion of the 
world as far as relativg to himself personally, but he not only found 
pleasure in, but invited appreciation of, his utilitarian schemes. It was 
a great satisfaction to him to feel that he possessed the friendship and 
esteem of the leading scientific men of his age, but he never courted 
their favor, and his modesty led him to shrink from posing as a con- 
spicuous figure among them. 

Had he lived to complete his work in his own way and found means 
to publish it in its entirety the world would have had a better appre- 
ciation of the immensity and scope of the undertaking than any sim- 
ple statements of friend or biographer will ever convey. 

I will close this brief sketch with a tribute to Mr. Glover from the 
pen of an intimate friend, written in 1874, which appeared in Field and 
Forest four years after. The last two stanzas proved prophetic. 


THE PROFESSOR. 


[Inscribed to Professor G———.] 


Little cares he for the world, but sits 
Till evening, from earliest dawn, 

And figures and etches and writes, 
And the work goes bravely on. 


And a monument grows, day by day, 
That shall tell to the world his fame 

When marble has crumbled away— 
And he silentiy carves his name. 


Carves it in Nature’s soft lines, 
With a graver skilled and true ; 
And the acid eats till the eye defines 
The ontline of promise in view. 


And the days and years go fleeting by, 
Tasks are finished and new ones set ; 

Still the end is not, nor draweth nigh— 
There are pages unwritten yet. 


Pages unwritten that ever will be, 
For the longest life isa span— 

That his dream may approach reality, 
He is working while he can. 


HISTORY OF HIS WORK ON ENTOMOLOGY. 


Mr. Glover commenced his immense work on insects, known as “ I]lus- 
trations of North American Entomology,” in 1859. Portions of the 
work, that is, special plates of the orange and cotton insects, were en- 
graved a year or two prior to that date; in fact, it may be said that he 
made two or three beginnings prior to the commencement of his ulti- 
mate scheme. <A very early idea was a set of pocket plates represent- 
ing the common injurious species. Quite a number of these were en- 
graved by him, the plates, or a part of them at least, having been de- 
posited in the National Museum with those of his later work. These 
little plates measure about 24 inches by 4, the figures chiefly relating 
to the commonest forms of beetles and the smaller moths, with a few of 
their larve, and a few insects in other orders. The plant affected 
usually appears in the center of the plate, greatly reduced of course, 
the insects in some cases being placed upon it. The work is well done, 
some of the figures being very soft. From a study of his early plates I 
place them among the first that he did after coming to Washington and 
while in the employ of the Patent Office, probably 1855. It is interest- 
ing to note that on all of Mr. Glover’s early plates, made in any consecu- 
tive number, whether upon stoneor copper, the ideaof showing plant and 
insects together appears, and the same idea was carried into the first 
plates of his final work, though soon abandoned.* 

His second beginning was the outgrowth of the scheme for a grand 
work upon economic entomology on octavo plates which should com- 
prise the principal plants of American agriculture, with the insects 
figured upon them. A motive for such work appears in the set of ex- 
quisite water-color drawings of flowers and insects, painted by Mr. Glover 
when a young man, and to which allusion has previously been made. 
Here are shown the plant, flower, and leaf, and the various stages of 
some species of the insect known to feed upon it. In a letter written 
to Mr. Clapham in 1856, where he alludes to a scheme for an agricul- 
tural museum, he says: 


Another idea is to go on with my work on insects—to have large engravings of our 
staple agricultural productions, such as cotton, corn, wheat, potatoes, and so forth. 
On the wheat root place the cut-worm, chrysalis, and moth; on the ear place the 
wheat midge, etc., in short, to place every insect that destroys wheat upon the part 
injured, natural size and magnified, the plates to be issued by the Government, and 
distributed to every leading society, to be placed in their agricultural rooms. By 


* T have nearly the full series of his early plates, given me by their author from 


time to time, the collection forming an interesting study. 
29 


30 


looking at the place affected the farmer can see the insect in all its stages, and, at 
the same time, by referring to the Patent Office Agricultural Reports, can find out 


the remedies in general use. 

That Mr. Glover contemplated such a work before he came to Wash- 
ington is evident from a number of plates on stone still in existence, 
made early in the decade from 1850 to 1860. He has more than once 
alinuded to it in conversations with me, and but for the counter interest 
in pomology, and in the preparation of his models of fruit, he would 
have attempted it at that time. I take pleasure in reproducing here a 
plate made by him in February, 1852, which contains some ten species 
of insects, all of which are tolerably well drawn. (Fig.5.) His work at 


Fig. 5. 


that period had attracted the attention of Dr. Harris, and some ten 
months after this plate was made he was in receipt of a letter from the 
doctor acknowledging his superior skill in the delineation of insect 
forms, and asking his co-operation in the preparation of a new work on 
entomology. I give herewith the main portion of Dr. Harris’s letter, 
only omitting a page or more of explanation of figures in the plates 
Mr. Glover had sent him. It is as follows: 
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., December 15, 1852. 

Dear Sir: Your letter of the 7th instant with the specimens of yourengraving and 
the drawing of the pear-tree insects, reached me this day, and I am very much grati- 
fied by these tokens of your remembrance. 


‘ 


ch aetea 


Some time !ast summer another specimen of your skill was sent to me from the hor- 
ticultural hall, in Boston, but at that time I was very much engaged in preparing 
copy for the printer, and carrying through the press a new edition of my ‘‘ Treatise 
on Insects Injurious to Vegetation.” My tables were covered with manuscript proof- 
sheets, specimens, and various miscellaneous matters, among which your engrav- 
ing was lain, and it has disappeared in one of the clearings up of my clutter. It 
is not lost, only mislaid, and will come to light again without doubt when I can 
muster resolution and find time to overhaul my papers. I name these facts to ac- 
count for my apparent neglect to acknowledge your favor. My book at last is fin- 
ished and bound; and now, if you will tell me how I can send a copy to you, it 
will give me much pleasure to forward it to your address. My scientific friends tell 
me that all the book wants is a set of figures to illustrate the descriptions. I am 
fully sensible that its value would be much increased by such illustration, and that 
it would then supply fully a want that has long been felt for a work combining sci- 
entitic descriptions of our most common destructive insects with good colored figures 
of the same. j; 

Iam very much pleased with your success in engraving on stone. With practice 
you will doubtless acquire the skill to represent insects in the very best style of this 
kind of engraving. This kind of work is much to be preferred to engraving on cop- 
per, because of its general cheapness; the stone admitting of being ground dewn and 
used again; and a delicate and skillful engraver can represent insects about as well 
on stone as on copper. I think you will find it quite as easy to execute engravings 
on stone as on copper, and I hope you may be induced to perfect yourself in this art. 
Your specimens certainly do you great credit, and I am very glad that you have so 
promptly and successfully acted upon my suggestion. * * * 

When you write me to inform me how to send you my book please to let me know 
what you consider would be a fair price for the engraving of a plate with insects on 
it of the size of your specimen plates. The cost of striking off, which must be done 
by the press, would be another matter, and may be known by inquiry. It would de- 
pend in some measure, also, on the number of impressions wanted. I very much wish 
some arrangement could be made with you for preparing a series of plates to illustrate 
my book. To do this, however, it would be necessary for you to takeup your residence 
here. The plates might be issued in numbers, accompanied by brief descriptions 
referring to pages of the treatise. I have also another plan in view, which has 
long been a favorite one with me, namely: To prepare a series of small popular vol- 
umes on our insects, with plates, somewhat like Jardine’s Naturalist’s Library, to be 
entitled Insect Biography. The first volume to contain a brief, general introduction 
somewhat like the introductory chapter of my treatise, with figures illustrating the 
orders of insects. The second to treat of principal families, illustrating them with 
the biography of one or two common insects of each family. The third to take up 
some large group and describe and figure the most prominent species in it, and so on 
with the other volumes as the public taste and demand for the work might guide or 
enconrage it. A work of this kind would do more to promote a general taste for en- 
tomology than anything else, and I think it would meet with very good encourage- 
ment. Hitherto I have been deterred from undertaking it for the want of co-opera- 
tion of a competent artist to execute the plates; our engravers having no skill in 
such matters and no taste to make themselves acquainted with the details of insect 
structure, and, moreover, being extravagantly high in their charges. Sonrel, a Swiss 
engraver, is the only person who can do such work at ull well, and he being a for- 
eigner and not speaking English well, it will be difficult to get along with him. 
Please let me know your thoughts on these plans of mine. 

Truly yours, 


THADDEUS WILLIAM HARRIS. 
Mr. T. GLOVER. 


32 


Mr. Glover did not take up with this offer, as he doubtless had other 
plans in view for himself; but the letter is interesting, as furnishing 
evidence that Mr. Glover not only worked upon copper at that early 
date, but also upon stone. I have in my possession proofs of a number 
of these plates engraved upon stone, the execution of which is far bet- 
ter than the work on his copper plates of the same period. Of one of 
these, illustrating parsnip insects, Dr. Harris says: 

No. 1 is apparently one of the Ortalide ; its larva unknown to me before No. 2, I 


have often seen the larva of this moth, but never succeeded in obtaining the perfect 
moth. 

So Mr. Glover was a good observer, as well as a tolerably skillful 
engraver at this time. 

Mr. Glover’s reply to Dr. Harris’s letter would be interesting could 
it be produced. I have searched for it among the Harris correspond- 
ence at the Natural History Society rooms in Boston, but without avail. 
The letter was very flattering tu Glover, as he has himself told me; but 
he was not then ready to enter into such an arrangement. What other 
correspondence may have passed between them at that time can not be 
stated, but a little over two years after Mr. Harris wrote another letter, 
which not only gives some interesting facts in Harris’s life hitherto un- 
published, but is certainly most complimentary to Glover. This is the 
letter : 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., February 13, 1855. 

Dear Str: On the 4th of September I received a letter from D. J. Browne, esq., 
then at New York, and on the point of sailing for Europe, informing me that you had 
been engaged in making drawings of insects to illustrate the next agricultural re- 
port of the Commissioner of Patents, and wished to pre-engage my co-operation with 
you. He further informed me that you were then absent from Washington, some- 
where in Georgia or South Carolina, and that on your return in November you would 
visit me in Cambridge. He also stated that he would communicate with me again 
on the subject on his return from Europe. Under these circumstances there seemed 
nothing for me to do but to wait till I saw you or till I heard from him. Moreover, 
my oldest son was dangerously sick and remained so till his decease on the 19th of 
October, and in our trouble Mr. Browne’s communication was entirely forgotten till 
it was brought to my mind by a letter received from Hon. C. Mason on the 29th of 
November. To this letter I replied on the 8th of December, since which time nothing 
has been heard of the subject therein proposed. Ihope that you have seen my answer 
to Mr. Mason; if you have not, let me beg you to request him to show it to you. I 
shall be happy to render you any service that is in my power consistent with my 
other duties and engagements. These will fully occupy me from the lst of March 
tillthe middle of July; so that you must not count on me for any assistance from me 
during that time. At this present time, having a vacation in college, I am more at 
leisure than usual. [regret not to have received the expected visit before the open- 
ing of the college session. 

Indeed, I have been long expecting a visit from you as promised some two years 
ago, in which I hoped to have made some arrangements with you for illustrating my 
work on insects. The time is some in which 1 have an expectation of being able to 
defray the expense of illustrations to the work, and in which it will become neces- 
sary for me to take some decided measure for having them done, if they are to be 
done at all. The committee on agriculture of the legislature of Massachusetts are 
now considering the expediency of printing another (the third) edition of my work» 


33 


with illustrations. Moreover, overtures have been lately made to me by a publishing 
firm in New York to get out a duodecimo edition of the book, in which it would be 
easy to introduce wood-cuts, if a competent artist to make the drawings could be ob- 
tained. My first proposal having been made to you to furnish illustrations, and hav- 
ing ever kept this in mind, I now return to the subject to inquire whether your en- 
gagements will allow you to undertake the same, and on what terms, and what time 
you will be ready to begin. It would best promote the object were you situated in 
the immediate vicinity, for] should need to communicate almost daily with you 
while engaged on the work. 

You may remember my having stated my wishes regarding another work, or rather 
a series of works, of a popular character, on our insects, in which I hope to have your 
co-operation. The plan has long been matured; the execution with the means now 
on hand would not be difficult, and the success seems to me to be almost certain. 
With the pictures the books can hardly fail finding a good market. Without boast- 
ing, I may be permitted to say that we could do in this department, together, what 
no other persons in the United States can accomplish. 

Have you seen Dr. Emmons’s big book on the Insects of New York, or Professor 
Jaeger’s smaller one on the Life of North American Insects? These will be a warn- 
_Ing against any one’s undertaking to deal with subjects with which they are not 
familiar. Criticism will be thrown away upon them, and I forbear making further 
remarks upon these remarkable productions. 

Do me the favor to write to me at your earliest convenience and let me know what 
is the extent of your previous engagements and what your plans are for the future. 

Yours, truly, 


THADDEUS WILLIAM HARRIS. 
TOWNEND GLOVER, Esq. 


i may mention here that, as far back as 1847, Mr. Glover spent some 
time in Albany with Gavitt perfecting himself in work upon copper, 
particularly in the handling of the roulette, by means of which the 
dark effects in illustration are produced, as shading of wings, bodies, ete. 
Among his early copper-plates is the one executed in February, 1852, 
reproduced above (Fig. 4). Some of the figures on this plate show 
clearly the methods used with stone engraving, namely, stipple shading, 
as seen in figures 3, 4, and 10, especially. In 1 and 9, on the contrary, 
the same effect is arrived at by means of lines, though apparently by a 
hand not thoroughly skilled. 

To return to Mr, Glover’s plan of a work on insects, as outlined on a 
previous page, it is impossible to say how far he progressed with bis 
scheme before finding it impracticable. The plates of the orange in- 
sects finished in accordance with it (though only approximately) are to 
be found, pretty nearly as originally engraved, in the Homoptera of the 
final work by which he is now known. The 22 plates of Insects and 
Diseases of the Cotton Plant are included in the 273 plates sold to the 
Government, but were finished, or very nearly so, while he was yet in 
the service of the Patent Office. Some extracts from his journal in 
1858, when in Florida, throw very interesting light upon this point: 

June 28: Began plate on Coccus. July 6: Began Plate 2, lemon (coccus). July 9: 
Commenced plate of Papilio thoas, on orange. July 21: Began coccus, Plate 4; 
orange; etching all day. July 24: Finished Plate 4; afternoon to Redwater Branch, 


and brought home cargo of red-bugs. July 30: Finished Plate 5. (The next day he 
14162—Bull 18—-3 


34 


commenced Plate 6, cotton terminal shoots.) August 6: Commenced Plate 7, young 
boll. August 9: Commenced Plate 8, Orange Aphis, grasshopper, etc. (insects of 
different orders on the same plate). August 16: Commenced Plate 9, orange-scale 
parasites. August 20: Commenced Plate 10, Saturnia lo. August 26: Began Plate 11, 
Trichius delta, and cotton flower. (The last mention of his plates is in the entry for 
September 25.) Finished Plate 16, corn worm, and have no more plates todo. Have 
written to Washington for them, but, like all I write for, nothing comes. 

After that his only work on plates was retouching and burnishing. 
That these plates were not all that he made for the cotton and orange 
series is evident from various allusions to ‘‘ etching” in the journal 
for the year 1857, while in Mississippi, one entry being ‘“ etching cotton 
blight.” 4 

The above extracts show the design originally of a work on cotton 
and orange insects, in which the insects of different orders, on the same 
plate, were grouped together indiscriminately. Other plates were pre- 
pared in accordance with this purely economic scheme of arrangement, 
and some of these, on which some one order of insects predominated, 
were afterwards incorporated in the final work, the inappropriate figures 
being burnished out and other insects substituted. Some of these plates 
may be known in the ‘‘ illustrations” by having a flower or part of a 
plant in the center, around which the figures are arranged. Other 
plates, made in accordance with the purely economic scheme, were sup- 
pressed altogether. * 

I notice in the private journal for 1855, at which time Mr. Glover was 
in Florida and the Carolinas, under date of June 19, this entry: ‘“¢ Draw- 
ing and sketching—improved method of coloring—pressed insects.” A 
note-book of this year’s work was filled with lepidoptera drawn (?) after 
this method, the process for which, when Mr. Glover first showed me 
the series, he described as follows: The wings were carefully detached 
and laid in proper position, after which very thin paper, coated with 
some adhesive substance, probably mucilage, was pressed upon them ; 
after going over every portion carefully, with gentle pressure, to insure 
complete contact, the wings were removed, the scales only remaining, 
by which means avery perfect facsimile of the markings was obtained. 
The fragment of paper was then carefully trimmed to exact form of 
wing, glued upon the pages of the note-book, body, etc., sketched in, and 
the figure was complete. I think Mr. Glover only employed the process 
(in part) during one or two seasons, as he explained to me that its chief 
use was to save time in making drawings, or the annoyance of carrying 
around a collection of the preserved insects. 

After leaving the United States Patent Office, in the winter or early 
spring of 1859, Mr. Glover gave himself heart and soul to his final con- 
ception of an illustrated work on entomology, for he had realized the 


* The writer has a number of proofs of these, as well as impressions of two or three 
plates as they appeared before alteration and the addition of new figures. (See plate 
XXVII, Coleop.; Plates ill, IV, and V, Orthop.; Plate XXIV, Lepidop ; and Plates 
IV, V, and VI, Homoptera, as illustrations of adapted Plates. 


35 


difficulties in the way of carrying out the former scheme and abandoned 
it. In July, 1859, he writes to a friend as follows: 

Since I left the office I have had several offers from various States to continue my 
work; and probably in the autumn I may make some arrangement with them, but 
at present am collecting material for a large work on entomology, more especially 
connected with agriculture. Ihave already in four months etched and nearly finished 
twelve copper plates, large octavo, comprising nearly 150 of our principal Coleoptera, 
beginning with the Cicindelidw and Carabida, as beneficial to the agriculturist, inas- 
much as both larva and imago destroy other insects injurious to the crops. I intend 
at the same time, to make my work useful to the entomological student, as I shall 
figure specimens of all the leading families unconnected with agriculture; and as 
there is no such work in America, Iam encouraged by the scientific men here. The 
work will not be finished for at least three years, but by that time I hope to have at 
least 1,500 to 1,800 specimens etched and colored.* 

Of the habits of his life at this time, not dissimilar to the habits of 
his later years, the same letter gives a number of hints. He calls it a 

‘hermit’s life: up at 6 or 7, breakast in his “den” (the writer of this can 
readily picture both “ breakfast” and “‘ den”), after which he smoked 
‘‘a hookah” (nearly ten years later he gave up smoking altogether) ; 
the rest of the day, until 5 o’clock, being given up to the arrangement 
of his specimens and to etching. 

Then he took a restaurant dinner, “ Jewish passover fashion, with 
cap or hat on,” after which he hunted for specimens, and returned home 
about 8 o’clock in the evening. From that time until 10 o’clock he made 
his notes of the day, searched for references, and then to bed. An ex- 
acting task-master, he applied himself without cessation, inaugurating 
that severe routine in his labors, with little or no recreation, which 
marked the last ten years of his life. At this time he wrote: “My 
maxim now is ‘nulla dies sine linea,’ and it is astonishing at the end of 
three months to see what the motto will accomplish.” But the results 
are due not to the motto, but to the persistent application, which in Mr. 
Glover was second nature—more marked in his case than in that of 
many men who perhaps have produced greater results, for he liter- 
ally did not allow himself any recreation besides that which was de- 
manded for the hours of sleeping and refreshment. 

To his cousin, Abram Clapham, of Leeds, England, he writes at this 
time as follows: 


If yoa can procure me specimens of your common British insects, without trouble, I 
would bé much obliged, as I want them for comparison, to find corresponding types 
here, aud to see what differences there are between our Agrotide and the cut- 
worms of England, as I believe that many will be found to be perfectly identical 
Several insects have been imported we all know. Take, for example, the Gale- 
ruca calmariensis, which is even at the present moment destroying all our European 


* His work was commenced about March 1, 1859, From that time to the date of 
his entering the Department of Agriculture, in 1863, was about four years. He held 
the position of United States entomologist just fifteen years to a day, making nine- 
teen years of labor upon his undertaking up to the time it was so suddenly discon- 
tinued by the breaking down of his health. How many more years he would have 
worked upon it, had health been spared, it is difficult to say. 


36 


elms in Washington. And please, if you send any, at the same time send the scien- 
tific names, as I can then identify them by referring to English works. By the way, 
what are your best agricultural entomological works, as I shall order them here? I 
have Morton’s Encyclopedia of Agriculture, Westwood, and sundry other English 
works; have ordered Ratzburg’s Forst Insecten, etc., so that I shall also be able to 
compare with the German. Dr. Girard, who is at present in Germany, has promised 
to send me all the German insects he can procure. If you know of any one who has 
about £5 worth of common (no rare) insects to sell, please letme know. I want those 
principally that injure crops, and of all orders. As soon as my plates are finished I 
shallsend you a copy, as likewise of the cotton and orange insects I finished wis 
in the service of the Patent Office. 

Mr. Glover was now in his forty-seventh year. Of his work during 
the last six months of 1859 there is little to record, save that he applied 
himself most industriously to his undertaking. “After becoming con- 
nected with the Maryland Agricultural College, about 1860,* he found 
himself in better position to push his work. Living in the country, there 
were more opportunities for observation and for the study of the habits 
of insects. Then he was accompanied in his field rambles by his stu- 
dents; and with their aid, and the material contributed from his breed- 
ing cages, he soon accumulated a fair collection of the principal insect 
forms of the locality. Always ready with his pencil and colors, he fig- 
ured everything he saw that was thought to be new, even making draw- 
ings of caterpillars and chrysalids of species that he was unable to rear 
to the perfect state, and which in many instances he was not able to 
identify until years after. Some have never been identified. This par- 
tially accounts for the incongruous arrangement of the insects on the 
later plates, as relating to classification, in comparison with the earlier 
ones, where family grouping of well-known forms is the rule. 

It is to be regretted that Mr. Glover did not regard his insect collee- 
tion of more value, and had not shown more care in the preparation 
and after-preservation of the specimens. After figuring an insect the 
specimen had little further interest for him. Indeed he did not take the 
trouble to set some of them at all, or only in such manner as would ad- 
mit of their being correctly drawn. He used for the purpose entomolo- 
gical pins, the ordinary pins of the dressing-case, or even needles; the 
specimens were set at various heights, and were sometimes badly dam- 
aged in the mounting. Many of the Lepidoptera, as well as other forms 
with large wings, were most carelessly prepared, these appendages 
drooping or sticking out in several directions. When I first saw his 
cases, in 1866, the ravages of mold, verdigris, and anthrenus appeared 
in almost every box; single wings, antenne, and legs were often want 
ing, and now and then a body. Nor could it have been otherwise, for 
the boxes, made to open like books, were mostly without cork, the tough 
pine wood at the bottom making it difficult to secure a specimen, the 
pins being frequently bent or broken at the points and sometimes turned 
at arightangle. Had his collection been better preserved and his types 


“I can not learn the exact date of Mr. Glover's connection with the Maryland 
Agricultural College. It must have been the latter part of 1859. 


ot 


for illustration indicated, the necessity for subsequent identification of 
many of his figures from the figures themselves would have been obvia- 
ted. Some figures, particularly moths, have never been identified and 
are not named upon the plates. It is, of course, recalled that he figured 
many loaned specimens, particularly upon his later plates; these also 
should have been indicated in every case, although any doubtful iden- 
tification, as they were received from specialists, is hardly a probability. 

Tam at a loss to account for his lack of system and want of care in 
so important a matter, when he showed such nicety, and such delicacy 
of manipulation in the preparation of his bird collections, unless it 
came from his belief, frequently expressed, that figures were as good as 
originals, and far more easily cared tor. 

When it was proposed to establish an insect cabinet in connection 
with the museum of the Department of Agriculture, examples of the 
Jatest and most improved cases in use at Cambridge for this purpose 
were obtained and brought to Mr. Glover’s notice. It was a peculiarity 
of his nature that he took slowly to “new-fangled notions ;” and partly 
considering the expense, he decided that shallow pine drawers with 
loose glass covers were good enough. He was prejudiced against cork 
bottoms, though the use of cork was strongly urged, and finally com- 
promised on paper felt. As the sequel proved, the splitting and shrink- 
ing of the eases and drawers in the dry steam heat of the Department 
building altered his views materially, but only when it was too late to 
remedy the matter. 

In the letter previously quoted Mr. Glover states that his work will 
be finished in three years. The time had expired a year previous to 
his again entering the service of the Government, but I do not think 
even at that time that the work was any nearer completion, as regards 
his own ideas upon the subject than when he bad been working four 
months. It is evident from the very manner in which he worked that 
he had placed no definite limit to it. He conceived the scheme, and 
seemingly without having measured the magnitude of the undertaking, 
he went industriously to work to carry it out. As the end proved, 
“completion” in this case meant when there were no more insects to 
figure, for with no fixed limit it could have been carried on indefinitely. 

Mr. Glover became Entomologist of the Department of Agriculture 
April 1, 1863. It was then located in the basement of the Patent Office 
building. In time two rooms were secured for the purpose of a mu- 
seum, and in the corner of one of these the Entomologist finally estab. 
lished his office. This was in the summer of 1864. A letter to Baron 
Osten-Sacken, written in October, 1864, in reply to one from this spe- 
cialist, shows that his work was now temporarily interrupted. He 
says: 


* Ihave been so much engaged for the last year in the Department of Agri- 
culture, with office work and laying the foundation for an agricultural museum, that 


38 


Ihave not been able to etch at all, so that my work remains at a stand-still at present- 
In a few weeks, when I am not so fully occupied as I am now, Lintend to reeommence 
etching, when I shall be happy to attempt your plates,* althongh I am afraid that 
you overestimate my abilities to do them, etc. 

For the next two or three years his work was still more or less inter- 
rupted by Department affairs. There was now a divided interest. The 
new museum had been established, and to a certain extent it absorbed 
his attention and his thoughts. Then in 1865 he spent several months in 
Europe, as has been mentioned, the exhibition of insects in Paris eall- 
ing him abroad. I have his Paris note book, filled with pencil outlines 
of insects, and with written descriptions, which tells how well he spent 
his time while there. And the fact that the design of his work se- 
cured to him the grand gold medal of the Emperor above all other 
competitors was proof that it was practical and valuable even at 
that time, when it had not reached the half of its present scope or 
dimensions. 

The writer became Mr. Glover’s assistant in the Department of Ag- 
riculture in 1867. By this time entomological science in America had 
made such rapid strides and the study had become so widespread that 
there were workers and observers in all parts of the country. Through 
acquaintance and correspondence with many of these and through the 
regular correspondence of the office he was now able to secure large 
acquisitions of new material, so that the work, for a time partly neg- 
lected, was now being pushed forward uninterruptedly, saving the in- 
terruption of official hours, from 9 a.m. to3 p.m. As nearas I can re- 
call, on hasty examination of the plates, the Lepidoptera had been com- 
pleted, at this time, to plate 67 and supplement D, the supplement series 
having been commenced in order to keep the diurnals and their larve 
together upon consecutive plates as the work progressed, the numbered 
plates being devoted to the moths. The Coleoptera had only reached 
plate 28; the Orthoptera less than half its present number, 18; and the 
remaining orders even a less number. 

Meanwhile the text to accompany the plates was begun on somewhat 
the same principle as the ready-reference books which Mr. Glover had 
from time to time prepared for his private use. The earliest of these 
reference books were compiled or prepared in the years of service in 
the Patent Office (or perhaps even earlier), and at first, seemed to have 
been used by him as ‘“‘ vest pocket editions” of notes on the habits of 
common insects. They were tiny blanks books, measuring 24 by 4 inches 
(of the size of a small pocket diary, and no thicker), into which had been 
closely copied, in penmanship as clear as copper-plate and as fine as 
print (250 to 300 words to the page), the chief facts connected with the 
natural history of well-known and injurious species, the food plants, 
habitat and other brief data, the whole conveniently arranged and in- 


*These were drawings of the wing-veins of some thirty or forty species of Diptera, 
and which he afterwards prepared. 


39 


dexed for use. A photo-engraving of one of these pages, exact size, is 


here reproduced (Fig. 6): . 
| dane th ears 96, | 
14 J 
‘oo ot ee tO se tech ag ipa 

cae ae grew cS nee AA halye.¥r arly of 

art inaienl fabian pale 
1 o ee hioy often aun 

ee ees Wtienne, of eS Bat 


Herder Y penarallr eee vy fulwient beneatty ur 

Mak Shuab tu Guus or maxiltee thet, 4mo xiblary 

palpi’ Welt, aerrelo pe fus- 0 Peas Short. ye ~ 

j uf? 8 pectiens Vite Som 

| ian ego Vr es irae er a gO 

| bw aie: Die hee ot Pei Gp V poet 

Mo zd. frre a4 ordre 
vi wate otc Sirg atar may Cy a 


ee (ausrepioey Duior tin any dear 
“ie akan, PT Rie PURE Ta REC: 


many. Dts clans Mm cores 
rea “under a Ses onmn atin 


otis fot te wow sche fulistamness come rode 
op plant,’ of HRY ufrow Cranes Va Lew are 


| Uh eldaabece ~ W4oqg- | 
Qo Mormwe Pees Aran lescce ated = onTentoy wunyy 
frrnurqumale, af Ure shen cee) treareales m QD - 
Gobo toreana. 1 3h : 
eencana 
Pee moth Max moth emcee 
Si Eat wax tx Vea nahttn Sry wbPew tbe 


re o Grvete) outed) when olrer” wi frag merlin wat 
st ace, faces ee Cems clie Prom Gk barf , eyruiy 


ze Our of this Cade ur patgnge at night » devew 
tba the hee ath fll Wels S04 WOK 4 
Uijrrar lbprct eye bier oes D hnoda yt / 

\ Bae Auf Hrnden a) ayellogei, re avatich 


w [ke Days Laty broods hay G erreaiin in Cotoune, 


iso 


Fic. 6. 


By the time the numbers of his plates had assumed some importance 
a set of larger note books had been prepared, into which he recopied 
the data above mentioned, together with notes of his own observations, 
besides references to figure and plate of his own werk. These were 
prepared for each of the principal orders; and for two or three, as the 
Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera, an additional series in which the 
food plants were alphabetically arranged, with a list of the species of 
insects frequenting or destroying them following each plant named. In 
time, as the number of plates increased, as his observations became 
more extended, and entomological publications had become more numer- 
ous; and as the old books were bursting their covers, a set of letter- 
size blank books were obtained, and the entire mass of notes recopied 
on afar more exhaustive plan, the whole finally constituting the material 
of the text which would accompany the plates when published. 

This was evolution pure and simple, for I have always considered 
that the text of Professor Glover’s work was the direct outgrowth of 


40 


these little pocket reference books, a number of which he gave me, and 
which are valued souvenirs. 

When recently examining the manuscript left by Mr. Glover, now in 
the National Museum, I found with his text of the Diptera the preced- 
ing volume of notes also, from which it had been copied, illustrating 
perfectly his method, as described above. In this volume, as with 
others, when the blank pages had been covered, slips of paper of vari- 
ous shapes and sizes were pasted in; the accumulation of these slips 
and the inserted pages making it in time difficult to find any thing 
readily, and then the new blank book was necessitated. With each re- 
copying he made changes, revising, adding new facts, and giving fuller 
accounts of particular insects, so that the new volume of notes in a 
short time grew to twice the size of the one that preceded it. As an- 
other example, the manuscript of his “list of animal and vegetable sub- 
stances injured,” accompanying the Lepidoptera, in all something less 
than 100 pages, he copied in seventeen days, in the winter of 1870, the 
dates of commencement and completion being recorded on one of the 
fly leaves of the volume. 

The fact that the text of his work was brought together in this man- 
ner wil! account in a measure for its apparent incongruity in the difter- 
ent parts, considered in the light of an entomological work, which the 
plates were supposed to illustrate. In reality the plates were the 
‘ work,” and the text or subject-matter a secondary consideration. 
That it has been gradually evolved from a very early beginning is 
shown, too, by its many references to Westwood, to the old German 
work by Leunis, and other of the earlier authorities whose publications 
in modern times have been entirely superceded by the many recent 
works that have kept pace with the progress of entomological science 
in the United States. As these extracts and references referred chiefly 
to géneral habits of groups and families and to classification, the neces- 
sity for a later revision was not fully appreciated. Mr. Glover always 
had a very high appreciation of Westwood,* regarding the work some- 
thing in the light of an entomological bible, and to that extent always 
a safe rule and guide for the seeker after truth. In minor portions, 
therefore, his text was not fully adapted tothe American student; and 
his material from Leunis less so. In his treatment of species, however, 
he aimed to give in very condensed form the known facts, from whatever 
reliable source they were obtainable. That the work remains in an un- 
finished condition is due to the sudden failing of his health. 

But the scheme of the work as contemplated by its originator was a 
grand one. No more complete reference book of entomology was ever 
conceived or more practically carried out as far as he had been able to 
carry out the design. This, in substance, is the scheme of arrangement 
as far as relating to species. 


*Introduction to the Modern Classification of Insects, 2 vols., 1539. 


4] 


Under the name of the insect appeared first the Greek or Latin de- 
rivation (both genera and species) ; then followed the reference to plates 
and figures of the work, for sometimes the larve and imago were figured 
upon different plates, and even the male and female appeared in differ- 
ent places; then a list of the synonyms, followed by a short and con- 
cise account of the life history of the species, from egg to imago; then 
followed habitat, food plants, and, lastly, the best-known remedies, the 
parasites, and references to other authorities. In another portion of the 
work was given alphabetical lists of the food plants in the different 
orders, with the insects figured upon them; and the whole work was to 
be so simplified and made so available for consultation by an admirable 
system of cross-references that the merest tyro could make use of it. 
When a new fact was discovered it was at once jotted down in the 
_ proper book of manuscript notes. When a new number of some ento- 
mological publication was received it was carefully digested, and the 
new facts transcribed into the appropriate place, with due credit, so 
that the work grew by almost daily accretion to its pages, and, as far 
as the later material is concerned, it was up to date. In these manu- 
script notes Mr. Glover should have indicated, however, the records of 
his own personal observations. How much injustice he may have done 
himself by locking up in an unpublished work the results of these obser- 
vations for many years will never be known. The folly of prema- 
turely “rushing into print” is conceded; but it should be known that 
Mr. Glover made many new and interesting discoveries that were wor- 
thy to have been placed on record at the time of their discovery that he 
received no credit for whatever. 

Some of these he was urged in vain to publish by contributions to 
the scientific periodicals of the day ; but always looking forward to that 
indefinite point of time when his entire work would be completed (as 
though it ever could be finished by such a man while there were insects 
to figure or new facts to record), he declined publishing any portion 
fugitively, save as it might be appropriately used in his special reports 
as entomologist of the Department of Agriculture, and even then he 
used as little as possible. He was extremely cautious in making state- 
ments, disliked criticism, and oftentimes in giving the life-history of a 
particular species, stated the facts on the authority of others, with 
credit, in preference to his own, when both were equally full and au- 
thentic. 

If he did not give to the world the results of his observations during 
these years, the entomological world was kept fully posted as to the 
progress he was making with his plates. Dr. Walsh, Messrs. Grote, 
Saunders, Strecker, Sanborn, and others loaned him box afcer box of 
unfigured species, which, with other material, enabled him to complete 
almost two plates amonth. Copies of these plates were printed as soon 
as the engraving was finished and corrected, and after coloring half a 
dozen or more copies of the plate with his own hand, they were mailed 


42 


to leading authorities whom he wished to compliment, or to those who 
had loaned him insects. The borrowed material was not necessarily 
retained until the plates had been finished, for his first work on receipt 
of a species new to him was to make a careful drawing of it in detail, 
after which it was colored to life; the name was then written upon the 
drawing, together with brief notes (sometimes) for his guidance when 
it came to be engraved. The plates were laid out most carefully and 
the position of each insect indicated before a line was drawn. The fig- 
ures were then caretully traced upon gelatine, the lines filled with dry 
red lead, and the outline transferred to the copper. After this they were 
etched and finished with the graver in the usual manner. 

It has been a matter of surprise to me that Mr. Glover did not more 
carefully preserve the original drawings from which the figures on his 
plates were engraved. Many he did preserve, but by far the larger por- 
tion of the earlier ones are not now in existence, as far as I have been 
able to learn. Some of the more recent ones arenow in the possession of 
the National Museum, though chiefly relating to two orders.* But he 
always made a practice of coloring the first copy of a new plate very 
carefully for his private set of plates, his working set, as he called it,t 
and subsequent copies were colored from this. 

In 1868, when the Department of Agriculture was removed to its 
new building, the entomologist was able to have a room to himself, to 
which he brought a large library, and where he deposited his plates for 
safe keeping. An amusing peculiarity of the man at this time was 
shown in the matter of book-shelves, which, for reasons of his own, he 
fitted up at his own expense, from boxes, though there was no necessity 
for his doing so. 

He was now allowed a special museum assistant, a taxidermist, and a 
messenger, in addition tothe regular entomological assistant, and the 
demands of the museum upon his time were thereby lessened. This 
left the hours of official duty more free for entomological investigation, 
for the compilation of notes from current literature and from authori- 
ties whick previously had been only partially reviewed; though it 
should be stated that no inconsiderable portion of the day was devoted 
to callers, and to those seeking information upon a wide range of sub- 
jects connected with the museum display or otherwise. To all heshowed 
the utmost courtesy, though the more prominent of his visitors were 
invariably taken to his private office to see the work on insects. The 
scheme was there unfolded in detail, and he ever delighted to talk to an 
intelligent listener. He described the design in full, and at the same 
time illustrated its utility by referring to some well-known injurious 
species, invariably closing with the reading of a brief account of its his- 
tory, with references to remedies and to the figures of the insect in dif- 
ferent stages upon his plates, and with the stereotyped query: “‘ How 
do you like the plan?” 


* Many of the Florida drawings are in the Harvard College library. 
t This is now in the National Museum. 


43 


There was a humorous side to this almost daily practice, which is 
also illustrative of the man. Occasionally it happened that he told 
the story a second time to the same individual, who was dropped po- 
litely, but instanter, when he had learned of his mistake; and an inei- 
dent like the following was not of infrequent occurrence : 

Enter visitor, who grasps his hand warmly and familiarly, showing 
the greatest interest in his entomological work, and perhaps introducing 
a friend who is with him. The professor makes a great show of delight 
at again meeting him, quietly gets him into the museum, and excusing 
himself a moment, rushes into the room of his assistant with a half 
whispered: ‘Charlie, who the d—1 is that?” 

As every man is said to have some particular weakness or idiosyn- 
crasy, Mr. Glover’s seemed to be an absorbing pride in his work on en- 
. tomology and in his museum, which amounted to almost childish vanity. 
A man who cared little for compliment in a general sense, his work was 
his life, and he expected every one with whom he came in contact to 
appreciate it almost. to the point of his own enthusiasm, which was 
boundless. On the other hand, disparagement hurt him like the barb 
of an arrow. Sensitive as a woman, he could not bear adverse criticism, 
published or written. It seemed to him almost a personal thrust, and 
where one showed the least approach to being hypercritical, it filled 
him with most unkind feelings toward theauthor. Nevertheless, friendly 
criticism given in the shape of kind advice or suggestion, if delicately 
put, was always thankfully received, and particularly from those whose 
opinion or judgment he respected. I can not but recall a certain cor- 
respondence with Dr. Walsh, relating to some accidentally damaged in- 
sects, which, if produced here, would prove spicy reading. There were 
others, too, with whom Mr. Glover seemed always at swords-points 
whenever he came in contact with them, and towards whom he was 
wont to express himself in the most emphatic language, for he was a 
royal hater. 

As an illustration of how Mr. Gtover’s feelings could be outraged by 
unjust censure and fault-finding criticism, reference may be made to a 
little publication issued in 1872, purporting to be a history of the De- 
partment of Agriculture, from the pen of its chief clerk, which aroused 
his indignation and stirred him to the very depths. The work of the 
division was commented upon in an exceedingly unkind way, a garbled 
quotation from one of the professor’s reports given, making him say in 
Substance that the new facts and therecords of observations emanating 
from the division were quoted ‘‘ extensively” from the published mate- 
rial of other entomologists, who were named. The remarks which fol- 
lowed were filled with left-handed compliments, written in a satirical 
vein, and closing with this extract: 


It is not required of the entomologist that he should visit the fields and orchards, and 
there study the habits of obnoxious insects of which but little is known. A contrary 
impression has been entertained; but it is proper that the exact truth should be 
stated. It would seem, however, that the entomologist of the Department should fre- 


44 


quently verify, by personal observation in the field and orchard, the correctness of the 
theories and suggestions of other entomologists, and there aid them in devising rem- 
edies against ravages ofinsects. Many State governments have employed entomologists 
to aid the farmers in their warfare against noxious insects, and in this great work, 
which requires that the broad country be frequently visited, the entomological division 
of the Department of Agriculture might sometimes, without presumption, take the 
lead. 

Mr. Glover defended himself in a little brochure which he called “A 
Vindication,” which was published shortly after, wherein the extract 
referred to was given in full, the extent of quotation from other authors 
stated, and other portions fully replied to. Moreover, the chief clerk 
was privately held up to ridicule in a clever bit of doggerel -verse, 
which the professor read to all his intimates in the Department, though 
it was not permitted to get out of his hands. 

Regarding the fact that the Entomological Division was not engaged 
in field work throughout the country, Mr. Glover considered that his 
twelve years of previous field work amounted to something, and also 
maintained that it was sufficiently difficult to obtain the necessary funds 
for the routine work of the division without considering the greater 
expense of field observations and investigations. On this one point I 
think Mr. Glover was open to criticism, as he never made the effort to 
secure appropriations for the purposes of field work, but rested on past 
laurels. His private work may have been partly responsible. 

1 think the period from 1869 to 1872 marks the most active years of 
his entomological work during his connection with the Department of 
Agriculture. Not only was he more interested in the work of the En- 
tomological Division, but the preparation of the text of his private work 
received a greater impetus at this time, while the engraving of his 
plates was steadily pushed forward. By 1870 over ten years of labor 
had been spent upon his undertaking, and it had grown to such pro- 
portions that the framed plates, cut to octavo size and hung upon racks 
nearly 7 feet high, occupied one entire end of the Museum hall, which 
was 50 feet wide. His life was now a perpetual round of systematic 
employment, and he was even more settled in his habits than in 1859, 
when he detailed to a friend how he spent his time in a letter previ- 
ously quoted. Frequently up as early as 5 in the morning, he etched 
or drew until almost 9, saving a short intermission for breakfast, which 
for many years he had been in the habit of providing himself; though 
later, to save additional time, it was prepared for him and sent to his 
room. The hours from 9 to 3 in the afternoon were spent at the office 
in anentirechange of occupation ; then back to engraving again, which 
occupied him as long as he could see; then he took a short walk and 
obtained his supper. The evenings were always spent in writing; and 
it was a matter of pride to accomplish each night a certain task which 
he set for himself, and which he would not relinquish unul the last line 
was written. 


45 


As Mr. Glover finally sold his plates to the Governmeut (he gave his 
manuscripts for nothing), the question has more than once been asked 
of me if he ever employed himself upon them in any way during 
the hours of official duty. To this question there is but one answer, 
No! Mr. Glover himself appreciated the force of the suggestion and 
the possibility of such a charge being made; and, not to be misunder- 
stood in the matter, he rarely lost an opportunity to explain to visitors, 
while showing his work, that it had all been done “ outside of office 
hours, before 9 o’clock and after 3.” Naturally the phrase in time be- 
came stereotyped. 

The closing of this period marks the opening of his publishing period, 
as may be termed the years from 1872 to 1878. For many years he had 
talked of publication, but, as has been shown, it was always a thing of 
’ the future. As far back as 1860 the matter of publication had been 
discussed with his associates, and with the accumulated material of ten 
years it seemed to his friends that the time had come if ever to bring 
the work before the world. The late Professor Baird, a firm friend to 
Mr. Glover during a period of twenty-five years, was very enthusiastic 
about the matter, and upon several occasions stated his willingness to 
secure a publisher. But the engraver author was not ready. The work 
had reached such magnitude that he wished to complete it from his 
stand-point of completion, and make it an exhaustive illustrated ency- 
clopedia of American entomology, that would find a place in every 
large library in the land. He did not wish to issue the entire work as 
a private venture with a probable contingency of great personal pe- 
cuniary loss, because it was his dream that it should be published by 
the Government and be widely distributed gratuitously. The idea 
had been in his mind for years, and he frequently told me, in conversa- 
tions of a confidential nature, that in the event of his death he should 
leave the entire work to the United States Government any way; and 
at one time he seriously considered the expediency of bequeathing 
with it a portion of his private fortune to complete it, and to insure its 
publication in a proper wanner after his death. 

The talk concerning publication was not without its influence. The 
preparation of the plates had been known to the entomological public 
for so long a time, and there was now so little possibility of publishing 
the work in its entire ty in the immediate future, its author forsaw the 
advantage of, if not the necessity for,a present recognition of the im- 
portance and utility of the undertaking, which could best be secured by 
preliminary publication of some of the plates themselves. It must be 
admitted, too, that he was actuated toward publication in this manner 
by a secondary motive—other than a wish to bring to the scientific 
world a knowledge of the value and immensity of his undertaking— 
and, prompted no doubt by his desire for the world’s golden opinion, a 
wish to know the exact position his work would obtain in entomologi- 
cal literature. 


46 


In 1871 he decided to bring out an author’s edition of the plates of 
Orthoptera, which had recently been increased to thirteen by the addi- 
tion of new Western material ; the new species described by Dr. Cyrus 
Thomas and material furnished by Mr. Scudder and others forming 
a considerable portion. An edition of 250 copies, large quarto, was de- 
cided upon, and the letter-press was produced a single page at a time 
at a small printing office in the rear of a Seventh-street book-store in 
Washington. The work was very incomplete, and does not in the 
smallest degree represent or carry out the design followed in the prep- 
aration of his mass of unpublished ‘‘manuscript notes.” He does not 
even fulfill the promise of his introduction. 

His table of classification occupies about half a page, and his notes 
on food and habits of Orthoptera only two pages and a half, the remain- 
der of the text, some five pages, being devoted to “lists of substances 
injured,” and lists of genera and species figured, or, in other words, to 
the index. This is the published work on Orthoptera. In short, as a 
work, so incomplete and imperfect, and giving so little idea of what had 
really been done by Mr. Glover in his twelve or more years of almost in- 
cessant labor, that it is to be regretted that he published it in this 
shape at all. To that extent it placed the author and his great work in 
a false light, even though the gratuitous publication of a dozen or more 
of admirable plates alone, with over two hundred figures of correctly 
named insects in a some what neglected order, was a valuable contribu- 
tion to the entomological literature of America and of the times. Not 
over 50 copies of the work were bound (in paper), and these were pre- 
sented to the prominent entomologists and scientific institutions of the 
country. The remainder of the edition lay piled in the office in sheets 
for a long time; but was eventually disposed of for waste paper. 

Mr. Glover received many flattering letters and complimentary no- 
tices following this initiatory publication, and a year later he took steps 
to bring out a small edition of the Diptera in somewhat the same man- 
ner, though rather more full and complete as to the text or letter-press. 
This, when: published in 1874, was a work of 133 pages, printed from 
stone, upon plate paper, upon one side of the sheet only, the letter-press 
being a fae-simile of the author’s wonderfully clear chirography, and it 
was accompanied by 10 plates and their explanations. The history of 
this publication is interesting. 

The publication of the Orthoptera had been unsatisfactory even to Mr. 
Glover, so much so that he contemplated a new edition, and in the 
Diptera he aimed to produce something more complete and valuable. 
The preparation of the manuscript was finished in the summer of 1873, 
and in September it was sent to Dr. Le Baron for his opinion upon its 
merits, and for revision and correction. 

September 14 the doctor wrote Mr. Glover a short note, acknowledg- 
ing receipt. He states that he has had a couple of days to look it over, 
and that he is pleased and surprised at the amount of interesting and 


47 


valuable matter which it contains. A postscript is inclosed, extracts 
from which are here produced : 


P. $.—Since writing the above note, and before mailirg it, I have more carefully 
examined the plates of Diptera, and am satisfied that they are correct; correct also, 
so far as I have examined, in their minute details. 

As these plates already extend to twelve in number, in addition to the supplement- 
ary plate A and as all the families, I believe, are more or less fully represented, it 
appears to me that the benefit accruing to students from their immediate publica- 
tion more than outweighs any advartage which an additional plate could give, unless 
such plate could be prepared without delay. 

My idea is this: The plates now finished being so extensive and so near perfect, and 
their publication having been so long delayed, I should publish them as they are, or 
with such additions and corrections as you now have at your command, and leave it 
for a future edition, if such be called for, to make the work still more extensive and 
valuable. This is the way the thing strikes an outsider ; but perhaps you, who are 

‘behind the curtain, can see difficulties which others can not. * * * 

Permit me to refer to one serious inconvenience, not in the execution but in the ar- 
rangement of your figures. I mean the indiscriminate mixing, on the same plates, of 
insects of different families, so that the student wishing to identify a species by a ref- 
erence to the plates would not know to what part of the volume to turn. If he knew 
the name of the insect he can refer to it by means of the index; butif he do not know 
it he will not know in what part of the book to look for it. This will be most incon- 
venient in the Lepidoptera where the figures are scattered over somany pages. This 
was done apparently to economize space, and we shall have to submit to the incon- 
venience for the sake of the many benefits which we shall be able to derive from the 
work. 


September 25, 1873, Dr. Le Baron writes again as follows: 


I have looked through your valuable compendium of Diptera, and have made such 
suggestions and alterations as appeared to me desirable, and which I trust will meet 
with your approbation. As it was impossible to examine the work thoroughly, 
within the time allowed me, and in the intervals of other duties, I have confined my 
examination mostly to that important portion of the work which lies between pages 
92 and 180 of the manuscript. The introductory part, as I understand from the pre- 
face, was compiled in a great measure from notes furnished by Baron Osten Sacken, 
and therefore needs ne revision. Next follow the plates, which must be regarded as_ 
the special feature of the work. The figures are numerous, neat, pretty, and life-like, 
and I believe, in the main, correct. As many of them are copied from other authors, 
their accuracy will almost necessarily vary according to that of the respective au- 
thorities. Many of the figures are taken from Packard’s Guide, and many of those 
figures were prepared originally for the American Naturalist. I do not know who was 
the draughtsman, nor how correct they generally are, as I have never examined them 
in detail, But one of them which I have had occasion to examine recently, namely, 
that of Hypoderma bovis, on page 404, and which you have copied in Plate VIII, 21, 
is little other than a caricature, as you will see by comparing it with the original, or 
with Westwood’s Figure 3, Plate XIX of Walker’s British pee or with your own 
original figure of the text eal variety (VI, 37). 2 * 


And again, October 15, 1873: 


I have referred in several of my letters to the desirability of having a larger num- 
ber of copies of your work on Diptera struck off than you contemplated. The idea 
occurs to me that after 50 copies have been printed at yourown expense, an arrange- 
ment might be made with the Naturalists’ Company to print 1,000 or more additional 
copies at their expense on shares, they to have a part, perhaps a half, arising from 
their sale. 


48 


I do not know but that it is your intention to have the work stereotyped, so that 
you can have additional copies struck off hereafter ad libitum. If so, all right. But, 
as I have before said, I can not bear the idea of having all the preparatory labor ex- 
pended for so small a number of copies. Your work is of a popular and practical 
character. It gives in a condensed form the greater part of what isknown respecting 
the Diptera, with the additional advantage of being copiously illustrated by fig- 
ures. The leading idea and aim of the work is that of popular distribution. The 50 
copies will of course accomplish nothing of this. 

The manuscript was now sent to the publishers of the American Nat- 
uralist, in Salem, for an estimate of the cost of printing. In December 
Mr. Glover learned that Baron Osten Sacken had returned to America, 
and at once wrote to him as one of his earliest friends in science, and 
one whose valuable assistance in his dipterological studies he always 
gratefully acknowledged, asking his advice in the matter. The follow- 
ing 1s an extract from his letter : 

I have just finished and sent to the printing establishment of Putnam & Co., to 
find out what would be the expense of printing, which, if you approve, I shall do at 
my own expense, and publish only 50 copies for gratuitous distribution to entomo- 
logical societies, agricultural colleges, etc. Now, mistrusting my own knowledge on 
the subject, I fear I may have made some errors, which, taken at the present time, 
before printing is commenced, may readily be corrected, but which if suffered to ap- 
pear in print would only lead to future mistakes in nomenclature, ete. I would es- 
teem it a personal favor if you would look the work over and make any corrections 
you see fit, with your name attached, or without, as you wish. All I want is to get 
the work out as perfect as I can, and I am willing to bear the whole expense for the 
sake of diffusing knowledge to those who wish to learn, and have at present no fig- 
ures to go by. I sent the work to Dr. Le Baron and to Mr. Uhler, who have urged 
me to have the work published, and, not knowing that you would ever again visit 
America, I sent the work with all its imperfections on its head to Messrs. Putnam & 
Co., to put the work through as quickly as possible, as soon as they receive the man- 
uscript from you. 

The letter closes with apologies for troubling him, and with the re 
mark that ‘the work was commenced entirely at your suggestion.” The 
italics are Mr. Glover’s. 

In a letter written the first week in January, 1874, he informs Baron 
Osten-Sacken that he has directed Putnam & Co, to forward the work 
and says: 

You will find in looking over it (the MS.) that I have enlarged my plan so as to il- 
lustrate as much of the subject as I could—from foreign specimens when I was unable 
to procure native. Shall print 250 copies, if you think it worth the trouble; if not, 
50 copies are all that I shall distribute. 

Mr. Glover was hardly prepared for the reply to the above which was 
returned a few weeks later; and though it was received in the same 
kindly spirit with which it was written, it hurt him cruelly and very 
nearly caused him to abandon the idea of publication altogether. Baron 
Osten-Sacken told him frankly that the work was too unequal and too 
unfinished ; that entomology in the United States had made great prog- 
ress in the last twelve years; that the plan of publication which was 
suitable in 1862 would appear antiquated in 1874; and finally that such 
a publication would be open to criticism and financially a dead loss. 


49 


A few weeks later Osten-Sacken wrote a second letter, which is ap- 
pended : 
CAMBRIDGE, MASs., March 6, 1874. 

My Dear GLover: You probably know that I have bad some correspondence 
with Mr. Le Baron respecting your intended publication. I was very sorry to hear 
from him that you took my letters so much to heart and that you felt discouraged in 
consequence. The result of my correspondence with Mr, Le Baron was that we came 
to a perfect understanding as to the main points atissue. We both think that the pub- 
lication of your plates (with the scientific names appended), in the shape of one or 
two volumes, would be very acceptable to the public at large. The letter-press, if 
any, should consist, in my opinion, of the general introduction only to the orders and 
families, with references, at the end of each family, to the figures belonging to it. 
But if I were you I would publish the plates at once, without waiting for the letter- 
_ press, and give the latter at leisure afterwards. In other words, your work should be 
for the public at large and not for the few and for the learned societies. As such it 
will fill a want in the American literature. I even confess that on this point I have 
somewhat modified my opinion since my last letter, and as well named collections 
are ararity your book will, to a certain extent, supply their place. But do not issue 
each order as a separate work, as the people do not know much about the division of 
orders yet, and as, issued in this form, the work assumes at ouce a learned appearance 
which it should not have. The title should bear the word Insects, and not Coleoptera, 
Orthoptera, etc., which learned terms upon a title page act as a bugvear to the un- 
scientific. 

Believe me always, very truly, yours, 
R. OSTEN-SACKEN. 


Under date April 10, 1874, Mr. Glover replied as follows: 


Should have acknowledged your letter immediately, but was confined to my bed 
for some days by an attack of bilious intermittent fever. When I read your first 
letter I felt so much discouraged that if I had had the manuscript in my possession I 
should have burned it with pleasure and forsworn entomology forever. Indeed I 
have scarcely opened the book again since it came back from Putnam’s. I intended 
then to publish 50 copies for gratuitous distribution among entomologists and my 
personal friends, and had saved up the money to pay for its publication; but I was 
so much disgusted with my own work that I invested in another manner, and should 
I ever publish the plates with merely their names, as you suggest in your second let- 
ter, I shall have now to wait until I can save up money to do so. At present, how- 
ever, I intend to follow your advice and publish the plates as soon as I can with no 
text, excepting the names and a short introduction, but shall have to refer to your 
catalogue, as there is no other. I am busy revising and correcting names, notes, and 
figures of my Orthoptera, and have etched from additional plates from Thomas’s new 
species collected by Hayden and Wheeler. As soon as this is done I shall again com- 
mence with the Diptera and prepare the names for publication. Mr. Uhler is assist- 
ing me with the Hemiptera, and I intend to figure all the species I can procure dur- 
ing the coming summer. 


Remembering the main facts of this circumstance, but not wishing to 
trust to memory in stating the matter, [ have referred to Baron Osten 
Sacken, who kindly places such portions of the original correspondence 
before me as are important, together with an explanation, from which 
the following extracts are taken: 

I made the acquaintance of Mr. Glover while I lived in Washington as secretary of 
the legation of Russia. It was somewhere between 1856 and 1360 [Mr. Glover first 
met Baron Osten-Sacken in December, 1857.—C. R. hey At that time, except Le 


14162-——Bull 18 —4 " e 5 
* ad  & v . 


50 


Conte and Asa Fitch, there were hardly any working entomologists in the United 
States ; Harris had died a few years earlier. As early as these times Glover was pre- 
paring his copper-plates as a record of his collections and observations. 1 hoped he 
would issue a volume with plates representing the most common insects, which, at- 
that time, would have been very useful in acquainting the public with the principal 
forms and in starting the subject. But years went by. I left Washington in 1862, 
and it was only in 1874 that Glover wrote me to ask for my opinion about the publi- 
cation of his work. * * * However,I had occasion to ascertain afterwards that 
Glover had fully appreciated my frankness and my kind intention. Iam glad that 
you have undertaken to write a memorial of this amiable and worthy man and sincere 
lover of nature. 

In consequence of the circumstances herein narrated, Mr. Glover 
modified largely his previous ideas regarding the publication of the 
Diptera. He decided upon a small edition of 50 copies, and chose for 
the volume the modest title ““ Manuscript Notes from my Journal, or 
Illustrations of Insects,” and, to carry out the idea more fully, had it 
printed by lithographic transfer upon stone from his own handwriting. 

Apropos of this lithographic fac-simile printing, a characteristic an- 
ecdote may be related. As may be inferred his printing bill was consid- 
erable. The process necessitated making, with his own hand, a eareful 
copy of each page in transfer ink, and as the steps which followed 
were purely mechanical he argued that with press and appliances he 
could easily do the work himself. Making inquiry he learned of asmall 
portable contrivance for the purpose, arranged with a cylindrical stone 
and which could be obtained at a comparatively low price—less than 
$100, I think. So the little printing establishment was purchased and 
set up in his office in the Department. A very nice page of copy was 
prepared after everything had been arranged to his satisfaction, diree- 
tions were duly followed as to the transfer process, ink applied plenti- 
fully, and an impression taken. 

The professor’s face was a study as he took off this first sheet. Not 
half of the written words appeared on the page, the transferring of the 
copy not having taken from the stone. Then the printing ink had 
stuck to the stone in places where the space should have been left 
white, and altugether it was a very unsatisfactory beginning. Impres- 
sion after impression was taken with no better success; and then it was 
decided that insufficient care had been exercised in making the transfer of 
the original. The next point was tocleanthestone. The directions indi- 
cated that the cylinder should be placed in a concave appliance, of a 
material resembling fire-brick, which accompanied the press, and the 
crank turned until the ink upon its surface had all been removed. Mr. 
Glover adjusted the stone, grasped the crank, and ground away until 
patience was very nearly exhausted, when he called in a colored mes- 
senger to helphim finish the work. Other trials followed, during which 
the amateur printer lost all patience, and after keeping the contrivance 
a week or two he prevailed upon the agent to take it back at a large 
discount from the original cost and a professional lithographer was 
again employed to do his printing. 


D1 


In 1876 he broaght ont the edition of Hemiptera previously referred 
to, which was uniform with that of the Diptera, and distributed the 50 
copies published to very nearly the same persons and institutions to 
which the former volumes had been sent. The lists of the recipients 
are preserved with the copies of the two works given to the National 
Museum. 

In all these years of publication he was adding to his plates, to the 
text of his Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera, and began compilations 
of similar material from original and outside sources in other orders, 
including the ‘* Arachnid, Crustacea and Annilida, Entozoa, Helmin- 
tha,” etc. These later volumes, both ‘“‘rough notes” and “prepared 
notes,” are in the form of scrap-books, made from old public documents, 
octavo size, and are preserved ip the National Museum.* But he gave 
up further publication, and now devoted a considerable portion of his 
time to the reproduction, by lithographic fac-simile, of the names to ac- 
company the entire series of plates. These slips of names were pre- 
pared and printed for every order excepting the Lepidoptera, includ- 
ing the work on cotton insects; and had his health remained unim- 
paired he would have finished the names for the set of Lepidoptera also. 

In 1878 he issued his last publication, if publication it can be called, 
an edition of 12 copies of his entire set of 273 platest with a type-printed 


*In addition to his working set of plates, formerly in five quarto volumes, and his 
published works, complete, the material deposited in the National Museum (before 
the purchase of his plates was effected) was as follows: F 

Manuscript notes upon the Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Diptera, with alphabetical 
list of plants or substauces injured or destroyed, completed, and systematically ar- 
ranged (in quarto blank-books). 

Hymenoptera, notes, etc., similar to Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, but not completely 
arranged or systematized, ‘‘ September, 1862.” 

The same, ‘‘ rough notes” and various scraps pasted into old public documents. 

Qrthoptera, ‘“‘ prepared notes,” in three volumes (old public documents). 

Hemiptera and Heteroptera, rough notes, three volumes (old public documents). 

Neuroptera “ rough notes,” one volume (old public document). 

Cotton insects, plates and clippings from Patent Office Agricultural Reports, and 
some notes, in a blank scrap-book. Arachnida, etc., and Entozoa, etc., as above, 
one volume each in old public documents. There is also one volume of original fig- 
ures, and the volume of the complete work, uncolored, which was presented to Pro- 
fessor Baird by the author, and a few other duplicates. 

Not having at hand the original list made by me when the transfer was effected, with 
Professor Baird’s receipt, as the writer acted for Mr. Glover in the matter, the above 
list was made up while examining the manuscripts in Washington recently (October, 
1887). 

+The complete set of illustrations comprises 273 quarto plates with 6,179 figures, 
engraved on copper, covering the following subjects : 


Plates. |Figures. | ‘Plates. | Fignres, 

| 
WSSpidOPteraes--j~ sien ann-i- ans ee=- £138 | 2,634 || Hymenoptera ...............--- 10 “ 346 
Coleoptertve.o--ttaecssescsc—e: 49 fF Gate || WOLUNG PTELA:s > ac<- cee jee es oO 18 281 
MIptera) hence css csescciecceeeesctes 13 520 | Nieuropienay 2 soem tease oe nee 7 92 
PHOMID UCLA! sh hs 5 5 eric oes siee = 16 464 || Cotton and its insects -..-...... 22 215 


52 


title-page, a few introductory pages of classification, and catalogues of 
species with references accompanying each order. The slips of names 
(save the Lepidoptera) were pasted upon each plate just under the fig- 
ures, the page being of quarto size. Of these 12 copies, which were of 
course uncolored, 5 were sent to Europe, and 5 distributed here. Two 
other copies were sold with bis library afterwards. Several copies, in 
the hands of individuals or institutions, were later on ordered to be 
colored, the writer having bad the work done from Mr. Glover’s origi- 
nals, by a competent colorist. A list of institutions and individuals to 
whom these sets were sent was made by me at the time of the distribu- 
tion, but can not now be produced. One other formal publication, is- 
sued in 1877, should be mentioned. I refer to the compilation of refer- 
ences to the insects treated in his own and other reports, issued by the 
United States Department of Agriculture and by the Patent Office, to 
date of publication. It contains also a list of animal and vegetable 
substances injured or destroyed by the insects referred to, the entire 
volume making 103 pages, printed from stone, upon one side of the 
sheet, in fac-simile, uniform with his other publications. A few sets of 
his cotton plates were also distributed, bound up with a type-printed 
title-page and cover. 

While upon the history of Mr. Glover’s undertaking, it should be 
stated that among several plans looking toward the ultimate disposition 
of the work, in the event of its not being published prior to the author’s 
death, there were two plans, at least, entertained by him in the latter 
part of the centennial year, in which the United States Government 
was wholly ignored. The first of these, which considered leaving the 
work to some institution in England, with means to publish it, was 
hardly seriously contemplated ; for being a work upon American insects 
exclusively, it was not thought at all likely that it would claim the same 
interest in England as in America. The other plan did receive consid- 
eration to the extent of an inquiry of the authorities of Johns Hopkins 
University, in Baltimore, as to the acceptance of a trust fund to be left 
for the purpose of promoting the study of entomology. In response to 
this inquiry Mr. Glover learned that the consent of the trustees could 
be obtained by President Gilman to the acceptance of a given sum, to 
be known as the Glover fund, the donor to specify the manner in which 
he preferred the income to be spent, as follows: Either in promoting 
investigation, in publishing plates and texts, or in the delivery of lec- 
tures. But the plan was never consummated. 

At last came his sudden and prostrating illness, in the spring of 1878, 
and he retired from active labor of any kind. 

Regarding the sale of his plates—in January, 1879, during the third 
session of the Forty-fifth Congress, Mr. Glover first memorialized that 
body, proposing to transfer to the Government the entire series, together 
with the text of his entomological work. A special bill providing for 
the transfer was not introduced, but the memorial was referred to the 
Senate Committee on Agriculture. Professor Baird took great interest 


53 


in the matter, personally appearing before the committee to explain the 
nature, value, and importance of the work, as well as the fact that the skill- 
ful engravings of the copper plates themselves were the work of the pro- 
fessor’s own hand, and had involved most unremitting labor for a period 
of over twenty years. The committee showed little interest in the sub- 
ject, however, notwithstanding that the memorial was accompanied by 
another recommending the purchase of the work, and signed by the 
prominent entomologists of the country, among whom were the United 
States entomologist, professors of Yale, Harvard, and other colleges, ° 
and members of leading scientific societies. During the first session of 
the succeeding Congress the matter was again brought to the attention 
of the Committee on Agriculture, and a letter addressed to Professor 
Baird from the chief engraver of the Bureau of Engraving and Print- 
ing was submitted. In this letter it was stated that any skilled en- 
graver would charge $100 for each of these plates, and if they were 
engraved by a scientist they were worth more. Senator Davis, of West 
Virginia, chairman of the committee, suggested that the committee 
would recommend the purchase at a cost of $7,500; but the committee 
took no formal action. This was a great disappointment to Professor 
Glover, who was now anxious that the work should be purchased by 
the Government, even at a nominal valuation. At the next session the 
matter was brought to the attention of the House Committee on Agri- 
culture, and the sum of $7,500 for the purchase of the work was included 
in the sundry civil appropriation bill, and finally passed both houses, 
Professor Riley using his influence towards its final passage. The 
money became available soon after, and was paid to Professor Glover 
early in April ensuing the 4th of March upon which Congress adjourned ; 
but by this time he had become quite infirm. The result was very grati- 
fying to him, though he died in September following. 

No formal transfer of the plates was necessary after the purchase, as 
they were already in the custody of the National Museum, having beep 
deposited there by the writer after consultation with Professor Baird 
at the time when Mr. Glover was first stricken and unable to act for 
himself. 

As to the value of his work, it gave Mr. Glover great pleasure while 
living to know that it was appreciated by the late Professor Agassiz 
and leading scientific men of his day. Speaking of the “ collections of 
drawings,” Professor Agassiz attests ‘their excellence and great im- 
portance, both in a scientific and economical point of view,” and con- 
sidered “ the publication of his observations, and of the delineations of 
insects injurious to vegetation as most desirable, and likely to be in 
the highest degree creditable to the United States Government.” Dur- 
ing the savant’s last visit to Washington, while calling upon Prof. John 
W. Hoyt to talk of the proposed national university, his opinion was 
asked as to the sort of work that Professor Glover was doing. Agassiz’s 
reply was: ‘Magnificent! His services are extremely valuable, and 


54 


should he ever have occasion to leave the Department he can have a 
place in the Museum of Comparative Zoology on his own terms.” 

Many extracts from the letters of entomologists might be here given, 
showing the estimation in which the work was held, for Mr. Glover had 
many friends in the scientific world who knew him only by his labors 
in this, his chosen field. But one extract will be quoted, however, from 
a letter written to me by Mr. William H. Edwards, when it was first 
suggested that the Government should purchase Mr. Glover’s plates : 

DEAR Sir: I am very glad to hear that an effort is making to secure for the coun- 
try Professor Glover’s copper plates of the insects of the United States and his manu- 
script relating thereto. These materials are invaluable to us, and should Professor 
Glover dispose of them in England or elsewhere the loss could never be made good. 
Being an enthusiastic entomologist, as well as artist, these plates have been to hima 
labor of love, and he has given to them the better part of a life-time, and executes 
them with the greatest fidelity. His work on the cotton insects is beyond al: praise. 
I know of nothing comparable to it on the range of entomological illustrated litera- 
ture, and the plates of this work and notes belonging to them are worth, in my opin- 
ion, to the country the full sum that Professor Glover requires for the entire lot of 
plates and manuscript. 


In giving my own estimate of this work I must regard it from the 
stand-point of view that will show the intention of its author. He 
never proposed to put it forth as a technical work, or as a learned con- 
tribution to science, for the instruction or better information of special- 
ists, advanced students, or entomological investigators already possess- 
ing large libraries and collections, but he did propose to make it, when 
fuliy completed, a work of referance for all orders of insects in the popu- 
lar sense of the term, for all who might be seeking general information 
upon subjects relating to American entomology. In his conception of 
the work, as in that of his museum plan, but one idea was aimed at— 
utility. It was a favorite word with Professor Glover, and whether his 
original intention was a work of 80 plates or 300, or the text of 100 or 
1,000 pages, his only thought was to make it so simple and so useful 
that a farmer with no appreciation of entomological science could con- 
sult it as he would a dictionary, and learn something of the subject 
upon which he desired to inform himself. It was to be, in short, an 
illustrated encyclopedia of economic entomology, and if it had been fin- 
ished and published in accordance with the author’s design, there would 
be nothing now in entomological literature like it. It certainly would 
be wrong to judge it by his gratuitous publications. And no one, after 
fully understanding the scope and design of the work, and examining 
the great mass of material which represents the labor of twenty years 
of Mr. Glover’s active life, will deny either its utility or its value for 
the purpose for which it was intended. 

Supposing the work had been published in its entirety, and dis- 
tributed in the manner Mr. Glover proposed it should be, among agri: 
cultural societies, to town libraries, etce.: A farmer of average intelli- 
gence, we will say, comes, with an unknown insect in hand, to consult 
it. It would require very slight entomological knowledge to enable 
him to refer to the list of food plants to learn how many and what in- 


5D 


sects lived upon the particular farm crop (or plant) which had been in- 
jured. This information obtained, with no knowledge whatever of 
classification, he would be able, by means of the plates, to find the cul- 
prit in a very little time, even if the figures were not sufficiently accu- 
rate for the determination of fine specific differences. Having learned 
the species, or even an allied species, reference from plate to text would 
put him in possession of the main facts in the history of the insect, time 
of appearance of different stages of the pest, and when and how to com- 
bat it. And if the information given was not sufficient he could make 
use of the references to other works there quoted. 

This is, briefly, the: manner in which the work was intended to be™ 
used, and, as it contains over 6,000 figures of insects more or less in- 
jurious (or beneficial) to American agricuiture, I may repeat that noth- 
ing like it has ever before been attempted, and that its completion and 
publication would have served to vastly popularize the science of ento- 
mology in the United States. But while its production is a marvel of 
patience, persistence, and self-sacrificing iudustry, in the twenty years 
its author was engaged upon it, he might have so systematized the work 
of its production—calling others to his assistance to relieve himself of 
the mere drudgery—and so have organized the plan of publication that 
it would have been completed and placed in every large library of the 
land while he was yet entomologist of the Department of Agriculture. 

The point has been made that some of Mr. Glover's figures are not 
ultogether accurate, if not in some instances badly drawn. The criti- 
cism is sometimes a just one, although in their entirety the drawings 
will bear favorable comparison with similar entomclogical illustrations 
of the times. One point must be admitted, that the earlier plates are 
much better than the later ones, as will readily be seen by careful com- 
parison. That thisis due to two causes there can be little doubt: Some- 
what impaired, or gradually failing eyesight in the first place (the more 
positive cause), and less carein the second place, through impatience 
to keep up with incoming material. The completion of two plates a 
month, ‘out of office hours,” and in the hours of daylight, with all the 
work of making the drawings before undertaking the engraving, and 
coloring six or eight sets of the proofs afterwards, should be regarded as 
expeditious work for a man sixty years of age. Mr. Glover himself re- 
gretted having made certain of the plates (early ones inthe Lepidoptera), 
chiefly taken from Smith and Abbott’s Insects of Georgia, and from a 
few later works. Some of the far western Orthoptera, too, which were 
figured from alcoholi¢ specimens, and colored from descriptions, or 
from other figures, and sometimes from notes made by the collector, are 
not wholly satisfactory, although readily recognizable by those who 
have seen the insects in life. Fault has likewise been found with his 
smaller figures, many of which should have been enlarged to show 
specific differences in a marked degree, natural size being indicated in 
the usual manner or by a second figure. All very minute species were 
properly enlarged, and are, therefore, more valuable. 


36 


For purposes of ordi nary identification ina general work of reference, as 
this was intended to be, little fault need be found with the major portion of 
the series. Ofcourse this presupposes that the plates were to be colored, 
as it was not the author’s idea to issue them in any other way In fact the 
very manner of engraving the figures shows this to be the case. In the 
plates that were published by him, only half the editions were sent out 
uncolored, and this only because of the great expense attending coloring 
so many sets by hand—the distribution being entirely gratuitous. 

In these days of cheapened processes for multiplied color reproduction 
this matter isa serious obstacle in the way of future publication of Mr. 
Glover’s plates by the Government. Even if an edition of the plates 
should be issued, without the text they do not tell the whole story, 
and the text is not finished; and in several orders the material is hardly 
Systematized or arranged. The plates, if published alone, with only 
the names, would possess a certain value even if not colored, and it 
would be better to publish in this manner than not at all. Regarding 
the question of coloring, if sets of the entire series were distributed 
gratuitously by tlie Government, the recipients could well afford to have 
them colored afterwards at their own expense from the original set. 
Through combinations of a number of persons, so that a large contract 
could be given out, the work could be done possibly at $35 to $40 per 
set, which would be cheap for such a complete series of illustrations. 

In regard to the publisied volumes which bear Mr. Glover’s name, 
these are valuable from tbeir very scarcity, and from the fact that they 
are all he has given us in published form, save the reports which have 
appeared from time to time in Government publications. As works 
giving a certain amount of information on two or three somewhat neg- 
lected orders of insects they are useful; but from the stand-point of 
scientific worth they are more valuable as Series of named plates than 
as scientific publications—the often fragmentary and incomplete text 
giving little hint of the author’s years of observation and study in the 
field and vivarium. 

As for the name and fame of the author, a published work compris- 
ing an entire set of the plates alone is a sufficient monument to his un- 
tiring industry, indomitable perseverance and skill, and to his faithful 
labors through a period of twenty-five years for the advancement of 
American entomological science. He wished to do more, but through 
the limit set upon human endurance and existence he fell just a little 
short of carrying out his great purpose. He did not strive for fame 
through any contributions to the vast store-house of technical knowl- 
edge, or the dry-dust records of closet investigation that he might have 
made, nor did he ever wish to be considered an authority. But he early 
realized the difficulties which beset the way of the student of nature, 
and that other student of practical rural economy, in obtaining a knowl- 
edge of the insect forms about them, at a time when there were few 
books and fewer named collectious, and set to work to remedy the matter 
as far as he was able. 


THE GLOVER MUSEUM. 


As has been stated in the biographical sketch of Mr. Glover’s life, 
the museum scheme was contemplated many years before it was realized. 
Indeed its first inception dates back prior to 1850, before be had left his 
home on the Hudson. Regarding his collection of fruit models he 
writes in 1866: 

The design is to obtain from each State samples of the various fruits which have 
been tried and proved; to have them modeled here, retaining one copy to be added 
to the national collection, and returning duplicates (and matrices), correctly named, 
to each agricultural society. 

Fifteen years before this, in 1851, he made the proposition to the 
Massachusetts Horticultural Society to do this same thing, and some 
specimens were furnished, made from fruits sent to Mr. Glover by mem- 
bers of the society. Allusions to ‘“*the specimens for the New York 
State Society,” in a letter written at this period, also shows that the 
idea was a very old one with its author. And all these early attempts 
at exhibition tended directly towards the museum idea. 

The first attempt to fully carry out the scheme was made in 1854, in 
the single room which at that time constituted the Patent Office Bureau 
of Agriculture; the fruit models being the chief display. At this 
period they were his private property, though a year or two Jater the 
proposition was made to dispose of them to the Government for $10,000. 
The precise facts regarding early legislation on the subject can not be 
given. Butin 1858 we learn that Mr. Glover had seen a number of gen- 
tlemen, whom he names; that ‘everything appears favorable ;” and 
“that the bill” will be put on ‘‘as an amendment.” Then we learn 
of his showing the fruits to members of Congress, whoapproved of the 
idea, and promised to vote for the purchase. Meanwhile he leaves 
Washington for the field, and while pushing his investigations he 
learns that the bill has been defeated by ‘Letcher and Marshall,” of 
Virginia. This characteristic entry follows: ‘“ Will remember them for 
it. Intend to resign in the fall, and offer to South Carolina or Mary- 
land.” Asa matter of history the bill was passed, though Mr. Glover 
did not receive the money, through ‘ misappropriation of funds.” In 
1867, however, the purchase was consummated, the sum of $10,000 be- 
ing appropriated for the purpose, Hon. J. W. Stokes, then acting 
Commissioner of Agriculture, having been instrumental in effecting its 


passage. 
57 


58 


To go bavk again to the year 1856, he makes statements on the sub- 
ject, in a letter to his cousin, which throws interesting light on the 
museum scheme. He says: 

I ask $10,000 for the whole, with the proviso that I work six years to finish the 
grand undertaking of modeling all the fruits, esculent roots, ete., of the United 
States, and label them with the name, synonym, habit, soil, etc., so as to form the 
nucleus of a grand National Agricultural Museum. How do you like the plan? 

The difference to Mr. Glover between selling his fruits in 1856 and in 
1867 was, that before the war he would have received this money in 
gold, whereas he received it in a ‘depreciated currency ;” and, in ad- 
dition to the fruit models, gave a collection of 600 specimens of birds, 
which he had subsequently prepared and brought together, at consider- 
able expense of money and time, while at the Maryland Agricultural 
College. Even while connected with this institution, his labors, still 
in the line of the practical and utilitarian, were directed towards the 
acquirement of a collection. Mr. Glover was a skillful taxidermist, 
and was a capital shot, notwithstanding the peculiarity of his eye-sight ; 
and as he tramped over the adjacent country, cane-gun in hand, using 
it also as a walking-stick, he doubtless appeared more as a rural gen- 
tleman than the enthusiastic naturalist that he was. 

In August, 1864, the new museum was founded in the rooms of the 
recently established Department of Agriculture. At this time the 
models (some 3,000 in number) and the collection of birds above men- 
tioned constituted the major portion of the cabinet. This was soon 
augmented by donations, solicited or otherwise, or by occasional pur- 
chases, and a mass of material was very soon gotten together repre- 
senting, in one way or another, nearly every portion of the country. In- 
sects, birds, plants, and botanical specimens, cereal products, fibers, and 
the products of industrial art and manufacture were all included in the 
collections, and the museum was fairly established. From this time for- 
ward, up to and including the centennial year, its growth was steady 
and rapid. 

Regarding the plan or scheme of arrangement, which was most com- 
plete in detail, it is not necessary to go into particulars here, as it is 
fully described on page 27 of the Annual Report of the Department of 
Agriculture for the year 1866. 

Briefly, the museum was to be embraced in three divisions—a general, 
State, and economic. The first he was to illustrate by complete series 
of specimens of each of the various agricultural products from the seed, 
through all stages of growth and after preparation for human use, up 
to the highest range of manufacture. In the State division would be 
shown the classified products of each State and Territory, including 
minerals, soils, vegetable products, and manufactures; while in the eco- 
nomic division would be displayed the commercial products of the vege- 
table kingdom from every portion of the world. It was a grand scheme, 
but too immense to be fully carried out in the cramped quarters assigned 


59 


to it, and in the days of ridiculously small appropriations. And here 
pardon a digression. In one of the biographical sketches of the man, 
which appeared at the time of his death, 1t is said that ‘‘ during his en- 
tire service he never asked for special appropriations for tbe pursuit of 
investigations in any particular interest.” This is true, but while he 
never “asked” for appropriations—. e., by persistent personal labor 
with committeemen—he never lost the opportunity to explain to Con- 
gressmen or other visitors of influence the benefits to be derived by 
American agriculture in the establishment of such a museum in Wash- 
ington; and he always closed with a tersely-put statement as to the 
ridiculously small sums of money that were available from the annual 
appropriations with which to carry on the work. And upon one ocea- 
sion, some years after the establishment of the museum, he made such 
an impression upon an enthusiastic committeeman who was visiting the 
collections that the sum of $3,000 was shortly afterward appropriated 
for the museum, to be spent under Mr. Glover’s special direction. It 
nearly took his breath away, and, as his assistant, [ well remember how 
hard it was to get him to use all of the money, as any unexpended bal- 
ance at the end of the fiscal year would be turned back in the Treasury, 
the reluctant purchase of a microscope nearly using up the amount re- 
maining on hand the last of June. 

It was natural for him to talk the museum scheme to all who would 
listen. He believed in his plan, thought over it, worked for its perfec- 
tion, confidently believing in its ultimately attaining the fullest realiza- 
tion of success. The two rooms in the Patent Office were soon filled to 
overflowing ; and when the designs were being made for the new build- 
ing to be erected for the Department of Agriculture an exhibition hall, 
50 by 100 feet in dimension, was contemplated, which it was thought 
would be ample for the purpose. This was occupied in the fall of 1868, 
twelve walnut cases having been provided for the reception of the va- 
rious collections at that time brought together. But even in the new hall 
the “plan” was hardly fulfilled in the arrangement. The “ State divi- 
sion” was represented by a single case of California products, the other 
two divisions not being distinctively indicated, the entire museum being 
at the same time “ general” and ‘“ economic,” as its specific collections 
were as yet Small and very incomplete. 

As a man of deep originality and thought may make a wonderful dis- 
covery or produce a valuable invention, and yet find himself lacking in 
that worldly knowledge which would enable him to apply it with the 
least difficulty to the uses of every-day life, so it was to a certain degree 
with Mr. Glover in relation to his admirable museum scheme. Stronger 
as an originator, or an investigator, than as an organizer, he lacked in 
a measure executive ability. He wasable to outline and perfect a splen- 
did system, but unable to carry it out save as he might do so through 
the untiring labor of his own hands. This was the one drawback in the 
preparation of his great work on entomology ; and it showed itselfin the 


60 


building up of his museum in a marked degree after it had reached a 
certain point in its growth. The fact may be stated that in carrying 
out the museum scheme it was notdeveloped beyond this certain point, 
and the suggestion is offered that the theory of its arrangement may 
have interested him more than the thing itself; for, with his devotion 
to his work on entomology, which was an all-absorbing interest at this 
period, he could not have given his time and thought to both. It was 
the dlustration of the conception of the plan, and not the museum as a 
whole, that was almost daily presented to its visitors. 

For example: The California case was always inspected to illustrate 
the State division and the arrangement of its minerals, its vegetable 
products, and its manufactures explained. Turning to the collections of 
fruit in other cases near, the model of the Baldwin apple was invaria- 
bly exhibited, showing its manner of growth in various sections of the 
country, thus demonstrating the localities where special fruits thrived 
best. Stepping to another case, the bluebird was always pointed out, 
with the distinctive mark upon its perch showing that it was a friend 
and not a foe to the farmer; and a little box of insect remains from its 
stomach, by its side, furnished the proofof his statement. Flaxseed in 
variety was shown in another case, illustrating the “ general” museum, 
together with the fiber in various stages of growth and manipulation to 
the most delicate linen fabrics, and in the same manner the seed, oil, 
and oil cake. 

The scheme was most complete and admirable, reflecting the great- 
est credit upon its originator, and if carried out would have made it 
one of the grandest economic museums in the world. But it would have 
necessitated a building larger than the entire Department of Agricult- 
ure, and the outlay of many thousands of dollars, with the one draw- 
back that in its State division there would have been endless repeti- 
tion of the same thing, unless somewhat modified. Mr. Glover appre- 
ciated this fully, and there was never an attempt, beyond the points of 
illustration noted, to make it other than an economic museum of agri- 
culture on the simplest possible basis of display. These statements are 
made to explain in a measure why so valuable and utilitarian a scheme 
of arrangement was never fully completed. 

As an economic museum or “object library” the collections increased, 
at first slowly, then rapidly, so rapidly in fact that it was difficult to 
supply case-room as fast as the specimens came in. It literally out- 
grew the long entertained plan of arrangement, and as Mr. Glover be- 
came more aud more absorbed in his entomological work he finally 
threw the greater part of the responsibility of the museum from off his 
shoulders altogther, his assistants having charge of and carrying on 
the work in its several branches, while he assumed merely nominal 
control. By this time the collection of fruit models had been greatly 
augmented by Prof. William H. Seaman, who had charge of this branch, 
as well as the microscopic work of the Division, a large series of the 


61 


principal vegetables also having been added; while a regularly ap- 
pointed taxidermist, Mrs. Teresa Drexler, made considerable additions 
to the collections of birds and poultry. Miss Caroline C. Moulton was 
mnseum attendant. 

Then the preparations for the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 were in- 
augurated, the supervision of the work of getting up the museum ex- 
hibit devolving upon the assistant entomologist,* who, co-operating af- 
terwards with Professor Baird, was enabled to almost double the eol- 
lections of the department from foreign exhibits, necessitating the erec- 
tion of a gallery on each side of the museum hall. 

Mr. Glover had by this time so far lost interest in the museum, being 
now wholly absorbed in his entomological work and its publication, 
that when the acquisition of this great mass of material necessitated a 
better classification and arrangement of the museum display the for- 
mulation of anew plan of arrangement was left entirely to the writer, 
The classification which was then devised is published at the end of 
the entomologist’s report in the annual volume for 1877, pages 118 to 
148,t in a special report made to Mr. Glover. 

It may be stated that the scheme of arrangement set forth in this 
published classification was closely followed in the reorganization which 
shortly followed. 

The museum was now (1877) at the zenith of its importance and use- 
fulness, and shortly after its decline began. The first calamity which 
occurred to it was the loss of many of its large and valuable collections 
gathered at the Centennial, which, for want of afew hundred dollars 
worth of display bottles and other material suitable for their exhibition, 
asked for and repeatedly refused, remained stored in the garret above 
the museum hall. Through the officiousness of the property clerk of 
the department, appointed by Commissioner Le Duc, or by the Com- 
missioner’s order, this mass of material was either sold to a junk dealer 
or thrown on a rubbish heap, according to its market value at “junk” 
prices, and thousands of dollars’ worth of valuable museum material 
wasted and destroyed. Then followed Mr. Glover’s retirement from 
active duty, and as the assistant entomologist shortly after resigned, 
and other changes had occurred in the museum corps, the museum was 
practically left without care, as no regular curator was appointed for 
several years. Dr. Vasey was given nominal charge for a time, but his 
own duties as botanist were sufficient to occupy his whole attention. 

The remainder of the story is briefly told. A wooden exhibition build- 
ing had been erected in one corner of the department grounds for the dis- 
play of railroad exhibits and other similar exposition displays. More 

*See Agricultural Report for 1876, p. 17. 

tThe entomologist reluctantly incorporated this museum report and classification 
into his own report, signing his name to the two documents in one to avoid running 
counter to the whims and absurd prejudices of the gentleman who was then Com- 


missioner of Agriculture. This statemeut is made in simple justice to the author of 
the report. 


62 


office rooms were needed in the department building than its cramped 
quarters afforded, and in time the space in the splendid museum hall was 
encroached upon. The collections thus displaced were removed to the 
exposition building referred to above, though some, as the fibers and 
birds and a few of the more valuable economic collections, were trans- 
ferred to the National Museum, where they are carefully preserved, 
though as yet not placed on exhibition. As to the remaining portion 
of the “Glover Museum,” it is pretty nearly as is was left ten years ago, 
save that many of the collections of specimens have suffered from want 
of care and attention, and that the museum hall is now given over to 
other uses, for the specimens, those that were worth further preserva- 
tion, were transferred to the exhibition building mentioned during the 
winter just passed. 

To conclude: The scheme of the museum, as contemplated by Mr. 
Glover, was original and unique, however some of its special features 
may have been suggested by European museums, and it is to be regretted 
that it could not have been perpetuated and preserved in the original 
space expressly designed for its accommodation, and where its founder . 
and father labored for its establishment and watched so long its growth 
and development. 

And what more remains to be said? The influence of such a man as 
Mr. Glover is shown to have been has made itself felt, though the ul- 
timate outcome of his schemes for the diffusion of knowledge among 
his fellow men did not reach the perfect realization that he had dreamed. 
‘‘T confess I have no idea how one man had the power alone to accom- 
plish so much work in such a superior manner,” Prof. Hagen once 
wrote of him. He could not have accomplished more, for he did that 
which his hands found to do with all his might while his strength 
lasted, and then he rested from his labors. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY. 


Mr. Glover’s entomological writings are confined almost exclusively to 
his reports published in the Annuals of the Patent Office, and the United 
States Department of Agriculture, and the few published works which 
bearhis name. Hisearliest writings, as far as [have been able to discover, 
date back to the fall of 1853, and, with one exception, relate to pomo- 
logical subjects rather than to entomology. He wrote occasionally for 
the Fishkill Standard, usually in a satirical vein, hoiding up to ridi- 
cule some local abuse, though not, as far as I know, upon entomological 
subjects. It is also surmised that he wrote a series of articles for The 
States, published in Washington before the war, in which the short- 
comings of a public official were pointedly reviewed. If there were 
scientific articles written at this period of his life other than his Patent 
Office reports, with a single exception, I do not know of them, and his 
personal scrap-book does not reveal them. It is a known fact that he 
could not be induced to contribute to current literature during the pe- 
riod of his labors in the Department of Agriculture, though he was fre- 
quently urged to do so.* 

Throwing out, therefore, all titles which are known to represent mere 
republications from his reports, the record is reduced to the following 
titles, which, as far as I have been able to learn, are the published arti- 
cles, works, or writings of Townend Glover. 

1. “Popular Fallacies.” American Agriculturist, November 9,1853. Signed “G.” 


A short article on the many impracticable insect remedies which go the rounds of the 
agricultural press. year after year, unproven and unchallenged. 


Nore.—At the same period, and in the same jour- 
nal, the following general articles were published over 
the same initial: Planting Shade Trees along High- 
ways and Railroads, Nov. 23, 1853; Pomological Dream, 
Nov. 30, 1853 ; and Pomological Realities (on pear cult- 
ure), Dec. 23, 1853. 

2. Insects Injurious and Beneficial to Agriculture. Report of the Commissioner 
of Patents for 1854. Agriculture. p. 59-89. Illust. by six plates engraved on 
stone by the author. 


A paper on insects injurious to the cotton plant, wheat, and the grape-vine ; and on the 
plum curculo, codling-moth, and peach-borer, closing with a shortaccount of some of 
the common species of beneficial insects. 


~ *T find in one of his scrap-books a lengthy communication, clipped from some 

newspaper unknown to me, which must have been a published official reply to some 

correspondent of the Department. It is omitted from the bibliography.—C. R. D. 
63 


64 


3. Report on Insects. Report of the Commissioner of Patents for 1855. Agricult- 
ure. p. 64-119. With 48 wood-cut illustrations, from drawings by the author. 

A report on insects frequenting the cotton plant; insects upon the stalk, leaf, terminal 

shoots, flower, boll, and rotted bolls; insects found in the cotton fields not injurious to 


the crop, and insects beneficial to cotton. Also contains a report on insects injurious 
and beneficial to the orange tree—the orange scale. 


4. Paper upon Entomology. Read before the meeting of the United States Agricult- 
ural Society. Dated Jan. 11, 1856. National Intelligencer. Date of publica- 
tion cannot be given. (Republished in Fishkill Standard.) 


5. On Destroying Injurious Insects. American Agriculturist, Oct., 1856. Vol. 15. 
p. 304. 


6. Reports on Orange and Cotton Insects. Report of the Commissioner of Patents 
for 1858. Agriculture. p. 256-272. . 
Report on insscts frequenting the orange trees of Florida, including remarks on the orange 


tree by D. J. B. (Browne). Also contains report on insects injurious to the cotton 
plant in Florida. Notes on cut-worms and the cotton-stainer. 


7. The Hang-Worm. Report of the Commissioner of Patents for1859. Agriculture. 
p. 551-554. 1 Figure. 
An answer to a correspondent of the U.S. Patent Office, giving the history of ‘‘ Oiketicus,” 
(Thyridopteryx ephemerceformis). 


8. Report of the Entomologist. Annual Report of the (U. S.) Commissioner of Ag- 
riculture for 1862. p. 561-579. 


Contains notice of the establishment of the Agricultural Museum, and article on the habits 
of the principal species of Coleoptera injurious to agriculture. 
9. Report of the Entomologist. Annual Report of the (U. S.) Commissioner of 
Agriculture for 1864. p. 540-564. 
A short report on the Museum, followed by a description of the habits of principal in- 


jurious species of Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Heteroptora, 
Homoptera, and Diptera. 


10. Report of the Entomologist. Annual Report of the (U. 8.) Commissioner of 
Agriculture for 1865. p. 33-45. 
A report on the progress of the Museum, followed by a brief synopsis of habits of birds 
examined and placed in the Department since the last report. 


11. Entomological Exhibition in Paris. Annual Report of the Commissioner of 
Agriculture for 1865. p. 88-102. 
Treats of entomology on pages 88-94, 101-102; the rest is on agricultural museums, botan- 
ical gardens, the gardens of acclimation in Paris, and the collection of the Zoological 
Society of London. Habits of European injurious insects compared with those of re- 
lated American insects; habits of European. beneficial insects; silk culture noticed; 
grand gold medal awarded to Glover for his work on entomology. 


12. Report of the Entomologist. Annual Report of the (U. 8.) Commissioner of 
Agriculture for 1866. p. 27-45. 

I. Contains brief statements regarding the insects which have been reported on by the 
division for the year. II. Contains an economic paper on insects and their uses— 
chiefly relating to the products of insects, as honey, wax, cochineal, etc. 

13. Injurious to Cotton Plants. Monthly Reports (U. S.) Department of Agricult- 
ure for 1866. 
A series of articles on the most injurious of the cotton insects, as follows (illustrated) : 
No. 1. June. p. 239-241. 
No. 2. July. p. 282-285. 
3. Sept. p. 831-335. 
No. 4. Oct. p. 377-378. 
No. 5. Nov. and Dee. p. 421-424. 
14. The same. In Monthly Report for 1467. No. 6 of the series, January, 1867. 
p. 21-23. 


65 


15. Report of the Entomologist. Annual Report of the (U.S.) Commissioner of 
Agriculture for 1867. (p. 53-76.) 16 illustrations. 
A report on the insects most injurious to agriculture during the year, that had been re- 


ceived by the Entomological Division. 


16. The Potato Beetle. Monthly Report Department of Agriculture for January, 
1868. p. 22. 


17. The Food and Habits of Beetles. Annual Report of the (U. S.) Commissioner 
of Agriculture for 1868. p. 78-117; and 114 outline illustrations. 


Part I. An article on the food and habits of the more common species of Coleoptera. Part 
II. An alphabetical list of the principal animal and vegetable substances either fre- 
quented or injured by beetles, with the names of the beetles frequenting them. 
18. Report of the Entomologist. Report of the (U. 8S.) Commissioner of Agricult- 
ure for 1869. p. 60-64. 


A very brief report, relating entirely to the Museum of the Department. 


19. Report of the Entomologist and Curator of the Museum. Annual Report of 
the (U. S.) Commissioner of Agriculture for 1870, p.65-91, 59 illust. 
A record of the work of the Entomologist Division for the year, including new facts relat- 


ing to injurious insects from other sources. 


20. Entomological Record. Monthly report of the Department of Agriculture for 
1871. p. 332-335, 


Notes on the Colorado beetle, the chinch-bug, ravages of grasshoppers, thrips, etc.—[These 
notes, together with the records published in ensuing monthly reports for several years, 
were for the most part embodied in the annual reports of the Department, prepared at 
the time of or after their publication in this form. 


21. On the Grape-Vine Hopper. Monthly Report for October, 1871. p. 403. 
22. Entomological Record. Monthly Report for November and December, 1871. 
p. 477. 
On twig-girdlers, strawberry insects, cte. 
23. Report of the Entomologist and Curator of the Museum. Annual Report of 
the (U. 8.) Commissioner of Agriculture for 1871. p. 69-88. 23 illust. 
A record of the principal insects reported on by the Department during the year. 


24. Destructive Grasshoppers in California. Monthiy Report of the Department 
of Agriculture for January, 1872. p. 22. 


25. The Utah Cricket. Monthly Report, February, 1872. p. 74. 

26. The Cabbage Moth. Idem. March and April, 1872. p. 137. 

27. A New Grasshopper. Idem. May and June, 1872. p. 215. 

28. Entomological Record. Idem. July, 1872. p. 304-307. 

29. Entomological Record. Idem. August and September, 1872. p. 366-369. 


On peach-tree insects, and misc. insect injuries. 


30. Entomological Record. Idem. October, 1872. p. 438-439. 


On the army or ‘‘snake-worm ” insect injuries. 


31. Entomological Record. Idem. November and December, 1872. p. 497-499. 


On a large grasshopper and insect injuries. 


32. Report of the Entomologist and Curator of the Museum. Annual Report 
Commissioner of Agriculture for 1872, p. 112 138. 26 illustrations. 
I. Report on the entomological work of the division for the year, with brief history and 
habits of the insects recorded. II. A paper entitled ‘‘ Notes ov the Diptera, with the 
principal remedies in use for injurious insects in this order.” 


14162—Bull 18——5 


66 


33. Illustrations | of | North American Entomo-ogy. | (United States and Can- 
ada)—by Townend Glover, Washington, D. C. | Orthoptera. | Washington, 

D.C. | 1872. Large quarto; text, 1l pp. 13 plates with names, 
This work, the only one printed from type, contains: An introduction, arrangement of 
families, notes on food and habits of orthoptera, parasites, list of substances injured 
by orthoptera, lists of genera and species figured, list of desiderata and errata. 250 
copies printed; 50 distributed gratuitously, the remainder of the edition having been 

destroyed. 


34. A Vindication of the Entomological Division of the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture. Private print, 1872. p. 6. 

Published in reply to statements made in ‘‘The Department of Agriculture, its History 
and Objects,’ a pamphlet issued, 1872, by the chief clerk of the Department. Gra- 
tuitously distributed. 

35. Entomological Record. Monthly Report of the Department of Agriculture, for 
1873. p. 29-31. 
Notes on the apple-twig borer, the rose bug, plum insects, and other insect injuries. 


36. The Tobacco-worm. Idem. April, 1873. p. 164. 


37. Entomological Hecord. Idem. May and June, 1873. p. 237-238. Notes on the 
apple-twig borer and Colorado beetle. 


38. Entomological Record. Idem. July, 1873. p. 345-347. Notes on corn in- 
sects, the grape-vine root louse, trap-door spider, Colorado beetle, luminous 
larvee, ete. 


39. Entomological Record. Idem. August and September, 1873. p. 426-427. On 
Paris green, the Phylloxera, ete. 


40. Entomological Record. Idem. October, 1873. p. 496-497. Notes on grape- 
vine borers and insect injuries. 


41. Entomological Record. Idem. November and December, 1873.  p. 571-578. 
Notes on the phyloxera, the Colorado potato beetle, protection against cotton 
moths, Xyloryctes satyrus, and insect injuries. 


42. Report of Rntomologist and Curatorofthe Museum. Report of the U.S. Com- 
missioner of Agriculture for 1873, p. 152, 169. 10 illust. - 

A brief report on the injurious species of insocts reported during the year with conclu- 
sions, etc., relative to the use of Paris green and other poisons in combating cotton 
insects. 

43. Entomological Record. Monthly report of the U. 8. Department of Agricult- 
ure, for 1874. p. 43-45. 

Notes on the Phylloxera, Paris green, the cotton caterpillar, &c. 

44. Entomological Record. Idem. April and May, 1874. p. 221-222. On luminous 
beetles, and poke-root as an insecticide. 

45. Entomological Record. Idem. July, 1874. p. 324-330. On Colorado petato 

beetle, and notes on insect injuries. 

46. Entomological Record. Idem. August and September, 1874. p. 373-376. 
Notes on insect injuries. 

47. Entomological Record. Idem. October, 1874. pp. 428-431. Experiments with 
Phylloxera, the cotton worm, etc. 

48. The Grape-root Gall-louse. Idem. November and December, 1874. p. 506-7, 


49. Report of Entomologist and Curator of the Museum. Report of the United 
States Commissioner of Agriculture for 1874. p. 122-146. 20 illust. 
Parr I. A brief report on the Colorado potato beetle and other insects, giving the new 
facts of the year. Par? II. An economic paper on the Orthoptera. 


50. 


58. 


59. 
60. 


67 


Manuscript Notes from my Journal | or | Illustrations of Insects | Native 
and Foreign | Diptera | or | Two-winged Flies. | Washington, 1874. 
Written by Townend Glover. Transferred and printed from stone by Jas. F. Gedney, 
4to. pg. III, plates I-XII, pl. A (each witha page of explanation) pg. 120, printed only 
on one side of the sheet. Only 45 copies printed for gratuitous distribution.) 
(a) Introduction, p. I-III. (b) Figures of about 340 imagos, 160 young, 30 habitations, and 
numerous details of about 400 species, pl. I-XII. (v) Anatomical details of 86 genera 
pl. A. (d) Arrangement of families, p. I. (e) Alphabetical list of the families and gen- 
era of Diptera mentioned in this work, with synonyms, habitat, food, etc., p. 2-59, 
(f) Alphabetical list of predaceous or parasitic Diptera, the larve or perfect flies of 
which destroy other insects, p. 60-62. (g) Alphabetical list of vegetable and animal 
substances, etc., inhabited, injured, or destroyed by Diptera, p. 63-78. (h) Alphabeti- 
cal list of insects of other orders either destroyinz Diptera or destroyed by them, p, 
79-85. (i) Alphabetical list of names of authors, and of authorities quoted, p. 86-89, 
(j) Abbreviations used in this work, p. 90. (k) Alphabetical list of some of the gen- 
era, ete., of Diptera, with derivation of names, p. 91-93. (1) Alphabetical list of the 
species of Diptera, and other orders, fungi, ete., with derivation of names, p 94-100 
(m) Supplement. 1. Remedies, p. 101-111. (n) Alphabetical list of insects, etc., men. 
tioned in Report on Remedies, p. 112. (0) Synoptical tables (of divisions and families), 
p. 113-118. (p) Definition of terms, p. 118. (q) Addenda, p. 119-120. (r) Notes, p, 
120. 


. Recent notes on the Phylloxera, from Foreign Sources. Monthly Report U. 


S. Department of Agriculture for January, 1875. p. 40. 


. On Beneficial Insects. Idem. April, 1875. p. 175-6. 
. Entomological Record. Idem. May and June, 1875. pp. 221-230. On cut- 


worms; Phylloxera in Austria, the same in France; locusts, etc. 


. Insect Injuries. Idem. July, 1875. p. 307-310. 
. Insect Injuries. Idem. August and September, 1875. p. 367-370. 


Entomological Record. Idem. October, 1875. pp. 442-445. Notes on the 
chineh-bug and Colorado beetle. 


. Report ofthe Entomologist and Curator ofthe Museum. Report of the (U.S.) 


Commissioner of Agriculture for 1875. pp. 114-136. 63 illust. 


Part I. An Economic paper on the ‘‘ Heteroptera or Plant Bugs.’”” Parr II. Remedies 
reported to ve serviceablo in destroying insects in the Suborder Heteroptera or plant 
bugs. 


Insect Injuries. Monthly Report of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, 
1876. p. 245. 


Insect Injuries. Idem. August and September, 1876. p. 333-336, 


Manuscript Notes from My Journal | or | Illustrations of Insects | Native and 
Foreign | Order Hemiptera | suborder Heteroptera | or plant-bugs. | Washing- 
ton, D. C. | 1876. 


Written and etched by Townend Glover; transferred and printed from stone by J. C. Ent- 
wisle, 1876. (2)+2+410—133 p. (p. 1-57bis, p. 58-132), 10 pl. (pl. 1-9 colored), printed 
only on one side of the sheet. (Only 53 copies printed, for gratuitous distribution.) 
Title; copyright. . (4) Introduction, p.1-2. (b) About 325 figures of about 257 imagos, 
19 young and numerous anotomical details of about 240 species, pi. 1-10, each pl. with 
ap. of explanatory text. (c) Arrangement of families, etc., of the Heteroptera, or 
plant-bugs (Burmeister’s arrangement (1835), p. 1-6, p. 16; Westwood’s (1840), p. 7-9, 
p. 16; Amyot and Serville’s (1843), p. 9-12, p.16; Douglas and Scott’s (1861-1865), p. 
12-15, p. 17), p. 1-17. (d) Alphabetical list of the families and genera of Heteroptera 
mentioned in this work with synonyms, habits, food, habitat, etc. (includes, with others, 
all the species mentioned in Say’s works, with the names of the genera to which they 
have more recently been removed), p. 18-73. (e) Alphabetical list of predaceous or 
parasitic Heteroptera, the larve, pupx, or perfectinsects of which destroy other in. 
sects, p. 74,75. (f) Alphabetical list of vegetable and animal substances frequented, 
injured, or destroyed by Heteroptera, p. 76-85. (g) Alphabetical list of insects of other 


68 


orders either destroying Heteroptera or destroyed by them, p. 86, 87. (h) Alphabetical 
list of the names of the authors and of authorities or societies, etc., referred to in this 
work, p. 88-91. (i) Abbreviations, etc., used in this work (with a diagram of three 
French inches divided into lines), p. 92. (j) Remedies reported to be serviceable in 
destroying insects of the suborder Heteroptera or plant-bugs, p. 93-96. (k) Alphabet- 
ical list of (some principal) sections, families, and genera of the Hemiptera, Heterop- 
tera, with derivation of names, etc.. etc. (compiled from the works of various authors, 
omitting many synonyms, and referring the genera to the families of Amyot and Ser- 
ville’s classification}, p. 97,112. (l) Alphabetical list of species, of the Hemiptera, 
Heteroptera (with translation of the names and referring the synonyms to their proper 
genera), p. 112-118. (m) Genera as arranged in the entomological cabinet of the Mu- 
seum of the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., 1876 (with reference to 
the pages on which the genera are mentioned in Amyot & Serville’s Histoire naturelle 
des Hemipteres, Paris, 1843), p. 119-123. (mn) Extracts from the list of Hemiptera, of 5 
the region west of the Mississippi, including those collected by the Hayden explora- 
tions of 1873, by P. R. Uhler, Baltimore, Md., Washington, D. C., January 1876 (giv- 
ing Uhler’s arrangement of the ‘‘ families, &c.,”’ and referring to the pages on which 
the genera are mentioned in that work, (see Rec. No. 568), p. 124-137. (0) Notes of the 
habits of the Heteropterous insects, with the latest changes in the nomenclature, po- 
sition, and classification of the various families, subfamilies, genera, and species 
(taken from Uhler’s List (see Rec. No. 568), and referring to the pages of that list), p. 
128-131. (p) Errata and addenda, p. 132. (q) List of (4%) societies and individuals to 
whom a copy of this work has been sent (1876), p. 132. 


61. Report of the Entomologist and Curator of the Museum. Report of the 
U. 8. Commissioner of Agriculture for 1876. pp. 17-46. Illust., p. 59. 


I, Contains report of Chas. R. Dodge on the Museum exhibit at the Centennial Exhibition. 
II. Economic paper by the Entomologist on the Homoptera, 


62. Report of the Entomologist and Curator of the Museum. Report of the 
Commissioner of Agriculture for 1877, pp. 89-148, Plates V, Figs. 100, ‘repro- 
duced from the authors’ engravings of Hymevoptera. 

I. Economic paper on the Hymenoptera in relation to American Agriculture; II. A re- 
port on the Museum Division, with a systematic classitication for economic museums, 
prepared by Charles R. Dodge. 

63. Manuscript Notes from my Journal | or | Entomological Index | tonames, &c., | 
in | Agricultural Reports | with list of | Vegetable and Animal Substances In- 
jured or Destroyed by Insects | Washington, D.C., | 1877. 103 pages, quarto. 
Written and etched by Townend Glover, and printed on stone. 


50 copies were printed for gratuitous distribution. 


64. Illustrations | of | North American | Entomology | in the orders of | Coleoptera, 
Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Hymenoptera, Lepedoptera | Homoptera and Dip- 
tera | By Townend Glover | Washington, D.C. | 1878. 


The entire set of 273 plates, with names of species on each plate in every order but Lepe- 
doptera. Contains, also, arrangement of families, compiled from various authors, in 
each order, with alphabetical lists of families and alphabetical lists of species, with 
references to plate and figure Twelve copies only were printed for gratuitous dis- 
tribution, chiefly to institutions in this country and in Europe. The series also con- 
tained the 22 plates of cotton insects though not so stated on the title page. This was 
Mr. Glover’s last work, issued only a short time before he was forced to cease his 
labors and to end his active connection with the Department of Agriculture. 


) 


PLATE I. 


U.S. Department of Agriculture, Division of Entomology, Bulletin 18. 


A REPRODUCTION OF AN EARLY PLATE ON STONE. 


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. | 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 


BULLETIN No. 19. 


AN ENUMERATION © 


PUBLISH HD 


OF THE 


SYNOPSES, CATALOGUES, AND LISTs 


NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS; 


TOGETHER WITH OTHER INFORMATION INTENDED TO ASSIST THE 
STUDENT OF AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGY. 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFIOE. 
1888. 


22310—Bull 19 


o> WP ePakTVMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 19. 


AN HNUMERATION 


OF THE 


bea i Sa: Wa) Bice pl a Ul aD, 


SYNOPSES, CATALOGUES, AND LISTS 


NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS; 


TOGETHER WITH OTHER INFORMATION INTENDED TO ASSIST THE 
STUDENT OF AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGY. 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
1888. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Washington, D. C., May 15, 1888. 

Str: I have the honor to submit for publication Bulletin No. 19 of 
this Division, being an enumeration of the published synopses, cata- 
logues, and lists of North American insects; together with other infor- 
mation to assist the student of American Entomology. 

Respectfully, 
Cl Y. RILEY. 


Entomologist. 
Hon. NORMAN J. CoLMAN, 


Commissioner of Agriculture. 


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DPABLE OF CONTENTS. 


JTMIROCING WI hae Gy aaeAa ra Seso Bece au Gete a6. Sabtooe SobGH BSSo earn ae Aone 
Comprehensive Works on North Age cae incerta Wodse cascades soap GeescoMeor 
Systematic Works on single Orders of Insects : 
Hymenoptera —----5- .=- 200 Sossau sobd00 eookoe JIS OROMESHa0 SSbEG0 asc505 400C 
COMEG NRne Gane bea sco Saye poe occe cos oHucoSoeE J odODGOSHOEe ADO Sp etose 
Lepidoptera ....-. secboo cn DUGd sqo cab Snenquesas SooceE edo ooo mosaSege Boer 
WDaiintemenerr ade tote se setae isy S otccahs Stich Rta a aia Site lalefa, claves Siscals tng, ols mints crane eve Sys serena 
[i HINT UCTS Ae ope SBSH OSD PREC BOR EHO E IO eon eee See Renee Ciara ate 
Orthoptera ..---. ae miae sleienee sae sia meena sin bem e cea cee nans eoiass ehiamele aimee : 
INEMUEOP CER Anaic atsicicin cin cepas. mci ioaticeiet See Ss Se eye toe rami Nae wate ete, Se ormeis le sents 
MELO Dae arene ene esas sien ei ere we nia tins oo Me args Decree ae oes eee 
PUSINS SeAIRU Ns ote cna a onrayoe tee eye see cee nace aio Sine Gee mates akceerere cai ieia aye 
WINVENO) (Obey se 8 Gs Ae AOC Seem em oG een OCIA CCE EIS acc ene Coe enna 
AN EXCITING SS SEBS CEO Ce SOB EISCISe OO SEER TE oe ae tet rs Se eRe AEE 
MISO EMtoMmological Periodicals Sas-.c cess sn naccicce tecmee Gece ce cemems eee 
Minor VW orkson Economic. Entomology, .-.. -- 2... 222. .ce2cce seca scee sae 
List of Entomological Works published by the U. 58 anrencieeeal Commission 
andiihenw. Sa Department om Acriculturesss. 2: ce-esecieece css foe eisesisecte 
How and where to obtain entomological books...........-.. sooo nds pee araasers 


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SYNOPSES, CATALOGUES, AND LISTS OF NORTH 
AMERICAN INSECTS. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Inquiries regarding the works most useful for the determination of 
our native insects, as also about the most useful general works of ref- 
erence, are among the most coustantly recurring ones received by the 
Entomologist; but satisfactory and short replies are in most instances 
impossible, for the reason that the information is not contained in a 
few comprehensive works, but is scattered through many different peri- 
odicals and other publications. A complete list of such works, even of 
those pertaining to a single Order of insects, is too long to be given in 
an ordinary letter, and to obviate the difficulty experienced in such 
correspondence this bulletin has been prepared. 

It was not our intention to compile a complete bibliography of the 
classification of North American insects, but to give briefly the refer- 
ences to such works and papers as are most useful for the identification of 
our insects. Thus, we originally planned to give only the titles of mon- 
ographs or synopses of families or subfamilies and to reject all papers 
which contained disconnected descriptions of new species, or revisions 
and synopses of isolated genera. But while preparing the bulletin it 
was felt to be advisable to include smaller synoptic papers. For instance, 
several large families, e. g., the Scarabieidz among the Coleoptera, have 
recently been quite carefully revised, but the literature is in the form 
of synopses of single genera which, in their aggregate, form a more or 
less complete monograph of the whole family. In this case either these 
smaller synopses had to be mentioned in this bulletin or the whole fam- 
ily had to be omitted. 

On the other hand, many of the monographs here mentioned are an- 
tiquated, so as to be of little value at the present time; or they are 
monographs comprising the genera and species of all countries, and 
difficult for the student of the American fauna to use, from the fact that 
the descriptions of the American genera are almost lost amongst the 
mass of foreign material. 

It were futile to attempt to discriminate in such an enumeration 
between the more useful and the more or less useless, but as a rule we 


would recommend to the student to consult rather the later than the 
7 


8 


older publications. Unfortunately there are marked exceptions to the 
rule; as a few of the latest synoptic and descriptive papers by the 
younger authors are most insufficient and unsatisfactory. We have 
added a list of the special works on Economic Entomology, and also 
of those published by the U. S. Entomological Commission and by the 
Department. 

There are a good many comprehensive classificatory works on Euro- 
pean insects, but the almost complete absence of such works in this 
country is a great bar to the progress of entomology and is the inevit- 
able outcome of the immense mass of inaterial to be worked up and of 
the comparatively small number of workers in monographic entomology, 
As will be seen from the contents of this bulletin, the publications of 
this kind even in Orders most worked up, as in Coleoptera and Lepidop- 
tera, are greatly scattered ; while in the less popular Orders compara- 
tively little has been done. Yet with the many earnest workers now in 
the field we may hope to see this present want met at no very remote 
period, and if the present bulletin should prove of temporary service it 
will not have been prepared in vain, though intended chiefly to relieve 
the Division of a great deal of letter-writing. 

The preparation of the titles was originally placed in charge of Mr. 
B. Pickman Mann, but was in such shape when he left the office as to 
require almost entire rewriting. This has been mainly done by Mr. E. 
A. Schwarz, though other members of the Divisional force have assisted. 

C. V. RB. 


PUBLISHED SYNOPSES, CATALOGUES, AND LISTS OF NORTH 
AMERICAN INSECTS. 


COMPREHENSIVE WORKS MOST USEFUL FOR THE STUDY OF 
NORTH AMERICAN INSECTS. 


H. C. C. BuRMEISTER.—Handbuch der Entomologie. Berlin, 1832-55. 
5 vols. Vol. I. Allgemeine Entomologie. 
The first volume treats of general entomology; Vol. II, part 1, of the Hemip- 
tera; part 2, of Orthoptera; the remaining volumes of Coleoptera. 
The first volume has been translated by W. E. Shuckard, under the title: 
Manual of Entomology. 1 vol. London, 1836. 


J. O. WEstWwoop.—An introduction to the modern classification of in- 


sects, founded on the natural habits and corresponding organiza- 
tion of the ditferent families. 2 vols. London, 1839-40. 


THomas Say.—Complete writings on the Entomology of North America ; 
edited by John L, Le Conte. New York, 1859. 


H. A. Hacen.—Bibliotheca Entomologica. Die Litteratur iiber das 
ganze Gebiet der Entomologie bis zum Jahre 1862. Leipzig, 1862. 


A. S. PackAaRb.—Guide to the study of insects. Henry Holt & Co., 


Philadelphia and New York. Many editions. (First edition, Sa- 
lem, 1869.) 


THE STANDARD NATURAL History. Edited by John Sterling Kings- 
ley. Boston, S. E. Cassino & Co., 1884-’35. 

Volume II contains the insects, which are treated by the following anthors : 
Hymenoptera, J. H. Comstock and L. O. Howard; Coleoptera, Geo. Dim- 
mock; Lepidoptera, H’y Edwards and C. H. Fernald; Diptera, 8S. W. Wil- 
liston; Orthoptera, ©. V. Riley; Hemiptera, P. R. Uhler; Neuroptera, A. 
S. Packard; Arachnida, J. H. Emerton. 

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HYMENOPTERA. 


I.—CATALOG UES. 


E. T. CRESSon.—Catalogue of the described species of North American 
Hymenoptera. <Proe. Entomol. Soc. of Philadelphia, Vol. I, 1861- 
63. 

®. T. CRESSoN.—Catalogue of Species and Bibliography. Part 2 of 
Synopsis of the Hymenoptera of America, north of Mexico. 
<Transactions of the Am. Entomol. Soc., Supplementary volume, 
1887. Phila., 1887. 


II.—GENERAL WORKS ON CLASSIFICATION. 


E. T. CRESSON.—Synopsis of the families and genera of the Hymeno- 
ptera, north of Mexico, together with a catalogue of the described 
species and bibliography. <Transactions Am. Entomol. Society, 
Supplementary volume, Part I, 1887. 

The second part contains the Catalogue of Species and Bibliography. 


TII.—MONOGRAPHS AND SYNOPSES. 
TENTHREDINIDA AND UROCERIDA. 


EDWARD Norton.—Catalogue of the described Tenthredinidz and Uro- 
ceridze of North America. <Trans. Amer. Ent Soc., Vol. I, 1867, 
pp. 31-84 and 193-280; Vol. II, 1868-’69, pp. 211-242 and 321-367. 
Gives synoptic tables of genera and species of both families; the Uroceride 
are treated in Vol. II, pp. 349-367. 

K. T. CrEsson.—Catalogue of the Tenthredinidwe and Uroceride of 
North America. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VIII, 1880, pp. 55- 

68. 
A synonymical reference list of the species; the Uroceride are treated on 

pp. 66, 67. 


PETER CAMERON.—Monograph of the British Phytophagous Hymen- 
optera. 2 vols. London, 1882-’85. 

Contains in arrangement of the subfamilies and genera of Tenthredinidie, 

which has been reproduced by Cresson in his general work of classifica- 


tion. 
CYNIPID A. 


R. OsSvEN SACKEN.—On the Cynipide of the North American oaks and 


their galls. <Proe. Entom. Soc. Philadelphia, Vol, I, 186163, 


pp. 47-72; additions and corrections, l. ¢., pp. 241-259. 
11 


12 


R. OSTEN SACKEN.—Contributions to the Natural History of the Cyni- 
pide of the United States. <Proc. Entom. Soc. Phil., Vol. II, 
1863-64, pp. 33-49; Vol. LV, 1865, pp. 331-380; Trans. Amer. Ent. 
Soe., Vol. ILI, 1870-71, pp. 54-64. 

Continuation of the foregoing paper, both containing valuable contributions 
to the classification of genera and species. 


B. D. WALSH.—On Dimorphism in the Hymenopterous genus Cynips; 
with an Appendix, containing hints for a new classification of Cyni- 
pide, including descriptions of several new species inhabiting the 
Oak galls of Illinois. <Proc. Entom. Soc. Phil., Vol. II, 1853~64, 
pp. 443-500. 


GusTAV MaAyr.—Die Genera der gallenbewohnenden COynipiden. 
<zOter Jahresbericht der Communal-Oberrealschule im I. Bezirk. 
Wien, 1881. 


W. H. ASHMEAD.—A bibliographical and synonymical catalogue of the 
North American Cynipidze, with description of new species. 
<Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., Vol. XII, 1885, pp. 291-304. 


W. H. ASHMEAD.—Synopsis of the North American subfamilies and 
genera of Cynipide. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XIII, 1886, 
pp. 59-64. 


W. H. ASHMEAD.—On the Cynipidous Galls of Florida, with descrip- 
tions of new species and Synopses of the described species of North 
America. <Trans. Am. Entom. Soc., Vol. XIV, 1887, No. 2, pp. 
125-158. 

ICHNEUMONIDZ. 


EDWARD Norton.—Catalogue of our species of Ophion, Anomalon, 
Paniscus, and Campoplex. <Proc, Entom. Soe. Phil., Vol. I. 1863, 
pp. 357-368. 
Synoptic arrangement of the North American genera and species of the sub- 
family Ophionine. 


EK. T. CRESSoN.—Descriptions of North American Hymenoptera in the 
collection of the Entomological Society of Philadelphia. <Proc. 
Entom. Soe. of Phil., Vol. III, 1864, pp. 131-196. 


Consists chiefly of a synopsis of the North American species of the genus 
Ichneumon. 


EK. T. CRESSON.—A list of the Ichneumonide of North America, with 
descriptions of new species. <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., Vol. I, 
1867, pp. 289-312; Vol. II, 186°~69, pp. 89-114. 


EK. T. CREsson.—Descriptions of new species belonging to the subfam. 
ily Pimplariz found in America, north of Mexico. <Trans. Amer- 
Entom. Soc., Vol. III, 187071, pp. 143-172. 


Tabulates the genera Pimpla, Polysphincta, Glypta, Arenetra, Lampronota, 
Xylonomus, Odontomerus, with a list of all species. 


13 


B. D. WALsH.—Descriptions of North American Hymenoptera | with 
notes by E. T. Cresson]. <Trans. St. Louis Acad. Sci., Vol. III, 
1873, pp. 65-166. 

EK. T. CREsson.—Notes on the species belonging to the subfamily 
Ichneumonides found in America, north of Mexico. <Trans. Amer. 
Entom. Soc., Vol. VI, 1877, pp. 129-212. 


A synopsis of the genera and species of the subfamily Ichneumonine. 


BRACONID 4G. 


E, T. CrREsson.—List of the North American species of the genus Al- 
eiodes, Wesmael. <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soce., Vol. II, 1868-69, 
pp. 377-382. 

C. V. RitEY.—On North American Microgasters, with descriptions of 
new species. <Trans. St. Louis Ac. Se., Vol. [V, No. 2, 1881. 


T. A. MARSHALL.—Monograph of the British Braconide. Part I. 
<Trans. Entom. Soc. London, 1885, pp. 1-280, Pl. I-IV. 


Marshall’s classification is that reproduced by Cresson in his Synopsis. 
CHALCIDID As. 


A. FOERSTER.—Synoptische Uebersicht der Familien und Gattungen 
in den beiden Gruppen der Chalcidiz Spin. und Proctotrupii Latr. 
<Jahresber. d. héheren Biirgerschule in Aachen, 1856. 


EK. T. CRESSON.—Synopsis of the North American species belonging to 
the genera Leucospis, Smicra, and Chaleis. <Trans. Amer. Entom. 
Soc., Vol. LV, 187273, pp. 29-60. 


L. O. Howarvp.—Descriptions of North American Chalcididz from the 
collections of the U. S. Department of Agriculture and of Dr. C. V. 
Riley, with biological notes [first paper], together with a list of the 
described North American species of the family. <U. 8. Depart- 
ment of Agriculture, Bureau of Entomology. Bulletin No. 3. 
Washington, 1885. 


L. O. HowarpD.—A generic synopsis of the Hymenopterous family 
Chaleididee. <Eutomol. Amer., Vol. I, 1885-86, pp. 197-199 and 
215-219; Vol. II, pp. 33-38. 


PROCTOTRUPID i. 


L. O. Howarp.—A generic synopsis of the Hymenopterous family 
Proctotrupidie. <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soce., Vol. XIII, 1886, pp. 
169-178. 

CHRYSIDID &. 


EDWARD Nortron.—On the Chrysides of North America. <Trans. 
Amer. Entom. Soc., Vol. VII, 1878-79, pp. 233-242. 
Gives tables of genera and species. 


S. FRANK AARON.—The North American Chrysidide. <Trans. Amer. 
Entom. Soc,, Vol. XII, 1835, pp. 209-248, Pl. V(X. 


14 


FORMICID (including allied families). 


G. L. MAYR.—Die Formiciden der Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika. 
<Verh. zool.-bot. Ges. in Wien, 1886. 


MUTILLID ZA. 


CH. A. BLAKE.—Synopsis of the Mutillidee of North America. <Trans. 
Amer. Entom. Soce., Vol. III, 187071, pp. 217-265; Additions and 
Corrections, Vol. IV, 1872~73, pp. 71-76. 

Cu. A. BLAKE.—Catalogue of the Mutillidee of North America, with 
descriptions of new species. <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., Vol. 
VII, 1878~79, pp. 243-254. 

Cu. A. BLAKE.—Monograph of the Mutillide of North America. 
<Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., Vol. XII, 1886, pp. 179-286. 


This monograph supersedes the synopsis by the same author. 
SCOLIID Ai. 


H. DE SAUSSURE & J. SICHEL.—Catalogus specierum generis Scolia, 


Geneve, 1864. 
SAPYGID A. 


KE. T. Cresson.—[Synoptie table of the North American species of 
Sapyga.| <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VIII, 1880, pp. xx—xxi. 


POMPILID &. 


E. T. CRESSon.—Notes on the Pompilide of North America, with de- 
scriptions of new species. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. I, 1867, 
pp. 85-150. 
SPHECID &. 
W. H. Parron.—Some characters useful in the study of Sphecide. 
<Proe. Bostou Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. XX, 1880, pp. 378-385. 


Critical notes on genera and species. 
LARRIDZ. 


A. 8. PACKARD, JR.—Revision of the Fossorial Hymenoptera of North 
America. I. Crabronide and Nyssonide. <Proc, Entom. Soe. 
Phil., Vol. VI, 1866, pp. 89-114 and 353-444. 

This work includes revisions of the following families: Larride, Bembecide, 
Philanthide, Mimesid, Mellinide, Pemphredonide, and Crabronidx. 

W. H. Parron.—List of North American Larride. <Proc. Boston 

Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. XX, 1880, pp. 385-397. 


Table of genera; list of and notes on species. 
BEMBECID &. 
A. S. PACKARD, Jr.—[See work cited under Larride. | 


OF. PaTton.—The American Bembecide: Tribe Stizini. <Bull. 
U.S. Geolog. and Geogr. Survey, Vol. V, No. 3, 1879, pp. 341-347. 


15 


NYSSONID As. 
A. S. PACKARD, Jr.—[See work cited under Larridz.] 


E. T. CrESson.—Descriptions of the species belonging to the genus 
Nysson, inhabiting North America. <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., 
Vol. IX, 1881-’82, pp. 273-284. 


PHILANTHID At. 


E. T. CREsson.—Monograph of the Philanthide of North America. 
<Proc. Entom. Soc. Phil., Vol. V, 1865, pp. 85-132. 


A. S. PACKARD, Jr.—[See work cited under Larridz. | 


W. H. Patron.—Notes on the Philanthinsze. <Proc. Boston Svc. Nat. 
Hist., Vol. X X, 1880, pp. 397-405. 


K. T. CREsson.—[Table of the North American species of the genus 
Bucerceris.| <Trans. Amer. Entom.Soc., Vol. X, 1882~83, pp. v—viil. 


MIMESID &. 
A. S. PACKARD, Jr.—[See work cited under Larride. | 
MELLINID A. 


A. 8S. PACKARD, Jr.—[See work cited under Larridz. | 


PEMPHREDONID®. 
A.S. PACKARD, Jr.—[See, work cited under Larride. ] 
CRABRONID A. 
A. 8S. PACKARD, Jr.—[See work cited under Larridz.] 
MASARID&. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Synopsis of American Wasps. Solitary Wasps. 
<Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, 254, Washington, 1875. 
This work monographs the American Masaridz and Eumenidz 


EUMENID. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—[Work just cited. | 


VESPID A. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Eitndes sur la famille des Vespides. Monogra- 
phie des guépes sociales ou de la tribu des Vespiens. Paris, 1853. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Bemerkungen itiber die Gattung Vespa, be- 
sonders iiber die amerikanischen Arten. <Stettiner Entom. Zeit., 
Vol. XVIII, 1857, pp. 114-117. 


HENRI DE SAvuSsuRE.—Note sur les Polistes américains. <Ann. 
Soc. Entom. France, 1857, pp. 309-314. 


16 
ANTHOPHILA (Andrenide and Apidae). 


EK. T, CRESSON.—A list of the North American species of the genus 
Anthophora, with descriptions of new species. <Trans. Amer. 
Entomol. Soce., Vol. LI, 186869, pp. 289-293. 


HK. T. CREssSoN.—Catalogue of North American Apide. <Trans. 
Amer. Entom. Soce., Vol. VII, 1878~’79, pp. 215-232. 


A synonymical reference list of the species. 
W. H. PATToN.—Generic arrangement of the Bees allied to Melissodes 


and Anthophora. <Bulletin U.S. Geol. and Geogr. Survey, Vol. 
V, No. 3, 1879, pp. 471-479. 


IM 


COLEOPTERA. 


I.—CATALOGUES AND CHECK-LISTS. 


F, E. MELSHEIMER.—Catalogue of the described Coleoptera of the 
United States. Revised byS. S. Haldeman and J.L. Le Conte. 
Washington, Smithsonian Institution, 1853. 

Now antiquated, but still the only reference catalogue of North American 
Coleoptera. 


JOHN L. LE ConrE.—List of the Coleoptera of North America. Pre- 
pared for the Smithsonian Institution. Part I. Washington, 


Smithsonian Instution, 1863~’66. 
A synonymical check-list; incomplete, the second part having never been pub- 
lished. 


G. R. CrotcH.—Check-list of the Coleoptera of America, north of Mex- 
ico. Salem, Mass., Naturalists’ Agency, 1873. 


GEMMINGER AND HAROLD.—Catalogus Coleopterorum hucusque de- 
scriptorum synonymicus et systematicus. 12 vols. Munich, 1868- 
"76. 
A synonymical reference catalogue of the Coleoptera of the whole world. 
E. P. Austrin.—Supplement to the Check-list of the Coleoptera of 
America, north of Mexico. Boston, 8S. E. Cassino, 1880. 


SAMUEL HENSHAW.—List of the Coleoptera of America, north of Mex- 
ico. Philadelphia, American Entomological Society, 1885. 


This supersedes all previousslists. 


SAMUEL HENSHAW.—First Supplement to the List of Coleoptera of 
America, north of Mexico. <Entomologica Americana, Vol. II, 
1887, pp. 213-220. 


Also issued as separate pamphlet by the Brooklyn Entomological Society. 
II.—GENERAL WORKS ON CLASSIFICATION. 


J. L. LE ContrEe.—Classitication of the Coleoptera of North America. 
Washington, Smithsonian Institution. Part I, 1861; Part I, 1873. 
Only completed as far as the Cerambycide; the rest has never been pub- 

lished. 

WILLIAM LE BAaRon:—Outlines of Entomology, published in connec- 
tion with the author’s Annual Reports upon injurious insects. Part 
first. Including the Order of Coleoptera. Fourth Annual Report 
on the Noxious and Beneficial Insects of the State of Illinois. Sep. 
Edit. Springfield, 1874. 

22310—Bull 19 2 17 


18 


J. T. LACORDAIRE.—Histoire naturelle des Insectes. Genera des 
Coléoptéres, ou exposé méthodique et critique de tous les genres 
proposés jusqwici dans cet ordre Winsectes. [Completed by J. 
Chapuis.] Paris, France, 185476. 12 vols. and 1 vol. plates. 


JOHN L. LE ConrE AND GEORGE H. Horn.—Classification of the 
Coleoptera of North America. Prepared for the Smithsonian In- 
stitution. Washington, Smithsonian Institution, 1883. 

This is the most recent and the only complete classification of North Ameri- 
can Coleoptera. 


JOHN L. LE Conre.—New Species of North American Coleoptera. 
Smithsonian Miscell. Coll., Nos. 167 and 264 (2 parts). 
Contains, besides descriptions of numerous isolated species, synoptic tables of 
many genera. 


II.—MONOGRAPHS AND SYNOPSES. 


SAMUEL HENSHAW.—References for specific identification. <Appen- 
dix II of Le Conte and Horn’s “ Classification,” 1883, pp. 535-552, 
A ‘list of bibliographical references to memoirs, in which more or less com- 
plete synopses of the families, genera, and species of the Coleoptera of 
the United States have been published.” 
Since the following list includes only synopses on families, subfamilies, or 
tribes, Mr. Henshaw’s paper must be consulted in regard to single genera. 


CICINDELID i. 


F. G. ScHaupp.—Synoptic tables of Coleoptera, Cicindelide. <Bull. 
Brooklyn Entomological Society, Vol. VI, November, 1883, and 
subsequent numbers. Also issued as separate pamphlet by the 
Brookl. Ent. Soe. 


CARABIDA. 


J. L. Lu Conre.—Notes on the classification of the Carabide of the 
United States. <Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., Ser. 2, 1853, Vol. X, 
pp. 363-405. 


GEORGE H. HoRN.—On the genera of Carabide, with special reference 
to the fauna of Boreal America, <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soe., Vol. 
IX, 1882, pp. 91-196, Pl. III-X. 

Of most of our generaof this exteusive family we have monographs or syuop- 
ses by Drs. Le Conte, Horn, or by Mr. Crotch, and the tables for the de- 
termination of the species are reproduced and angmented by some origi- 
nal tables in the Bulletin of the Brookl. Ent. Soe., from Vol. I to Vol. 
VI. Since that time only one important paper has been published, viz: 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the species of the tribe Lebiini. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. See., Vol. X, 1883, pp. 126-163. 


dee cen 4. 


Pee 


19 
HALIPLID As. 


G. R. CrotcH.—Revision of the Dytiscide of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., Vol. LV, 1872~73; Haliplides, pp. 
383-385. 


DYTISCID &. 
G. R. Crotcu.—[ Work just cited; Dytiscides, pp. 385-424. | 


Davin SHARP.—On aquatic carnivorous Coleoptera or Dytiscide. 
<Trans. Royal Dublin Soc., 1882, Ser. 2, Vol. Il, pp. 179-1003, 
plates. 


A monograph of the Dytiscidz of the whole world. 


GYRINID A. 


JOHN L. LE ConTE.—The Gyrinide of America, north of Mexico. 
<Proc. Ac. Nat, Se. Phil., 1868, pp. 365-373. 


M. ReEGIMBART.—Essai monographique de la famille des Gyrinides. 
<Ann. Soe. Ent. de France, 188283, with eight plates. 
Treats of the Gyrinidz of the whole globe. 


HYDROPHILID A. 


JoHN L. LE ContTE.—Synopsis of the Hydrophilide of the United 
States. <Proc. Acad. Se. Phil, Vol. VII, 1855, pp. 356-375. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Revision of the genera and species of the tribe 
drobiini. <Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., 1873, pp. 118-137. 


SILPHID &. 


JOHN L. LE ConrE.—Synopsis of the Silphales of America, north of 
Mexico. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila., Vol. VI, 1853, pp. 274-287. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the Silphide of the United States, 
with reference to the genera of other countries. <Trans. Amer. 
Entom. Soc., Vol. VIII, 1880, pp. 219-322, Pl. V-VII. 

SCYDM ZNID A. 


JOHN L. LE CONTE.—Synopsis of the Scydmenide ef the United States. 
<Proe. Ac. Nat. Se. Phila., Vol. VI, 1854, pp. 149-157. 


PSELAPHID 4. 


Joun L. LE ConrE.—On the Pselaphidz of the United States. <Bos- 
ton Journ. Nat. Hist., Vol. VI, 1850, pp. 64 110. 


Emit BRENDEL.—Synopsis of the genera and species of the family Pse- 
laphide. <Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., Vol. VI, 1866-7, pp. 31-38. 


20 


THos. L. CASEY.—Euplectini. <Contributions to the descriptive and 
systematic Coleopterology of North America. Part II, pp. 93-122. 


STAPHYLINID 4. 


GrorRGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the genera and species of the Staphy- 
linid tribe Tachyporini of the United States. <Trans. Amer. Ent. 
Soc., Vol. VI, 1877, pp. 81-128, 1 pl. . 


JOHN L. LE ContE.—On certain genera of Staphylinidz, Oxytelini, 
Piestidz, and Micropeplide, as represented in the fauna of the 
United States. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VI, 1877, pp. 213- 


252. 


A. FAUVEL.—Staphylinides de VAmérique du Nord. Partie Il. <No- 
tices entomologiques, No. 7, 1878. 
Treats the Micropeplide, Piestini, Phlcocharini, Protinini, Homalini, and 
Oxytelini (incomplete). 


GEORGE Hl. Horn.—Synopsis of the Quediini of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VII, 1879, pp. 149-167. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the species of Staphylinus and the 
more closely allied genera inhabitating the United States. <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VII, 1879, pp. 185-200. 


JoHN L. LE ConTE.—Short studies of North American Coleoptera. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VIII, 1880. 
Tabulates the following genera: Leptacinus (p. 168); Leptalinus (p. 171), 
Xantholinus (p. 171), Lathrobium (p. 174), Liparocephalus (p. 177), 
Stilicnus (p. 178), Sunius (p. 179). 


Tos. L. CAsSEy.—Revision of the Stenini of America, north of Mexico. 
Separate publication; without date. 


TRICHOPTERYGID A. 


A. MATTHEWS.—Trichopterygia illustrata et descripta. London, 1871. 
A monograph of the Trichopterygide of the whole world. 


A. MATTHEWS.—Synopsis of North American Trithopterygide. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XI, 1884, pp. 113-156. 


SCAPHIDIID 4s. 


JOHN L. LE Conre.—Synopsis of the Scaphidiidz of the United States. 
<Proc. Acad, Nat. Se. Phil., 1860, pp. 321-324. 


PHALACRID A. 


JOHN L. LE CONTE.—Synopsis of the Phalacridz of the United States. 
<Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VILI, 1856, pp. 15-17. 


e wvstatilal 


21 
CORYLOPHID &. 


JOHN L. LE ContTE.—Remarks upon the Coccinellidz of the United 
States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VI, 1852, pp. 129-145. 
The Corylophidz are treated on pp. 141-145. 


COCCINELLID A. 


EH. MULSANT.—Spécies des Coléopteres triméres sécuripalpes. Lyon, 
1851 2 vols.; 1 vol. Supplement. Paris, 1853. 


A monograph of the Coccinellidz of the whole world. 


JOHN L. LE ConTE.—Remarks upon the Coccinellide of the United 
States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil., Vol. VI, 1852, pp. 129-141. 


G. R. CrotcH.—Revision of the Coccinellidze of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. IV, 1873, pp. 363-382. 


G. R. CRotcH.—Revision of the Coccinellide. Ed. by R. Rippon. 
London, 1874. 


Treats also of the Coccinellidz of the whole world. 
EROTYLID A. 


J. T. LACORDAIRE.—Monographie de la famille des Erotyliens. Paris, 
1842. 


JoHN L. LE ConTE.—Synopsis of the Erotylide of the United States. 
<Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VII, 1854, pp. 158-163. 


G. R. CRotcH.—Synopsis of the Erotylide of Boreal America. <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. IV, 1873, pp. 349-358. 


G. R. CrotcH.—Revision of the family Erotylide. London, 1876. 
These two works treat of the Erotylide of the whole world. 


ENDOMYCHID A. 


JOHN L. LE CONTE.—Synopsis of the Endomychide of the United 
States. <Proc. Ac. Se. Phil., Vol. V1, 1853, pp. 357-360. 


A. GERSTHCKER.—Monographie der Endomychiden. Leipzig, 1858. 
Treats of the Endomychide of the whole world. 


G. R. CRotcH.—Synopsis of the Endomychide of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. [V, 1873, pp. 359-363. 


COLYDIID A. 


GrorGE H. Horn.—/{Revision of the Bostrychide and] Synopsis of 
the Colydiidee of the United States. <Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., 
Vol. XVII, 1878, pp. 555-592. 


22 
RHYSSODID &. 


JOHN L. LE ContEeE.—Notes on the Rhyssodide of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. V, 1875, pp. 162-168. 


CUCUJID A. 


JOHN L. LE CoNTE.—Synopsis of the Cucujides of the United States 
<Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VII, 1854, pp. 73-79. 


THos. L. CASEY.—Revision of the Cucujidee of America, north of Mex- 
ico. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XI, 1884, pp. 69-112, Pl. 1V- 
VIII, 


MYCETOPHAGID A. 


JOHN L. LE CoNTE.—Synopsis of the Mycetophagide of the United 
States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VILLI, 1856, pp. 12-15. 


GEORGE H. HorN.—[Synoptic tables of Mycetophagus, Triphyllus, 
and Litargus.] <Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XVII, 1878, pp. 
603-608. 

DERMESTID Z. 


JOHN L. LE ConTE.—Synopsis of the Dermestidz of the United States. 
<Proc. Acad. Nat. Se., Vol. VII, 1854, pp. 106-113. 


HorRAcE F, JAYNE.—Revision of the Dermestide of the United 
States. <Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XX, 1882, pp. 343-377, 
plates 1-4. 

HISTERID &. 


JOHN LE ConTE.—A monograph of the North American Histeroides. 
<Boston Journ. Nat. Hist., Vol. V, 1845, pp. 32-66, plates. 


JOHN L. LE ContTE.—Synopsis of the species of the Histeroid genus 
Abreus Leach, inhabiting the United States, with descriptions of 
two nearly allied genera. <Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VI, 
1853, pp. 287-292. 


S. E. DE MARSEUL.—Essai monographique sur la famille des Histé- 
rides. 2 vols. and supplement. Paris, 1853-59, 38 pl. 
A monograph of the Histeridz of the whole world. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the Histeridz of the United States. 
<Proc. Amer. Philos. Soe., Vol. XIII, 1873, pp. 273-360, plate. 


NITIDULID 43, 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Revision of the Nitidulids of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VII, 1879, pp. 267-336. 


reves eeibil 


23 
MONOTOMID 4%. 


GEorGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the Monotomide of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VII, 1879, pp. 257-267. 


LATHRIDIID Ai. 


C. G. VON MANNERHEIM.—Versuch einer monographischen Darstel- 
lung der Kifergattungen Corticaria und Lathridius. <Germar’s 
Zeits. f. Ent., Vol. V, 1845, pp. 1-112. 


JOHN L. Le ConTE.—Synopsis of the Lathridiides of the United 
States and northern contiguous territories. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. 
Phil., Vol. VII, 1855, pp. 299-305. 


BYRRHID 2. 


JOHN L. LE CoNTE.—Synopsis of the Byrrhidz of the United States. 
<Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VII, 1854, pp. 113-117. 


PARNID, 


JOHN L. LE ContT&.—Synopsis of the Parnide of the United States. 
<Proce. Ac. Nat. Sc., Vol. VI, 1852, pp. 41-45. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the Parnide of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. III, 1870, pp. 29-42. 


DASCYLLID. 


JOHN L. LE ContTE.—Synopsis of the Atopide, Rhipiceride, and Cy- 
phonide of the United States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VI, 
1853, pp. 350-357. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the Dascyllide of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VIII, 1880, pp. 76-114, plate. 


RHIPICERID &. 


JOHN L. LE CONTE [see paper just cited]. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Notes on Elateride, Cebrionid, Rhipiceride, and 
Dascyllide. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Voi. [X, 1881, pp. 85-86. 


ELATERID 4. 


JOHN L. LE ConTE.—Revision of the Elateridz of the United States. 
<Trans. A mer. Philos. Soc., n. ser., Vol. X, 1853, pp. 405-508. 


BE. DE CANDEZE.—Monographie des Elatérides. 4 vols. and 3 supple- 
ments. Liege, 1857-81. 


H. DE BoNVOULOIR.—Monographie de la famille des Eucnémicdes. 
Paris, 187175, 42 plates. 


24 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Notes on Elateridz, Cebrionid, Rhipiceridz, and 
Dascyllide. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. LX, 1831. 
Tabulates Aplastus, p. 77; Plastocerus, p. 78; Eutk<sanius, p. 79; and the 
subfamily Cebrioninie, p. 82. 


JOHN L. LE ContkE.—Short studies of North American Coleoptera 
(No. 2). <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XIi, 1884. 


Tabulates Drasterius, p. 4; Megapenthes, p.6; Elater, p.8; Agriotes, p. 15. 


GEORGE H. HoRN—A study of some genera of Elateride. <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soe., Vol. XII, 1884, pp. 33-52. 
Tabulates Horistonotus, p. 34; Esthesopus, p. 41; Ludius, p. 45; Eniconyx, 
p. ol. 


GEORGE H. HoRN.—A monograph of the species of the subfamilies 
Eucnemine, Cerophytine, and Perothopine, inhabiting the United 
States. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XIII, 1886, pp. 5-58. 


THROSCID A. 


H. DE BONVOULOIR.—Essai monographique sur la famille des Thro- 
scides. Paris, 1859-60; with supplement. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the Throscidze of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XII, 1885, pp. 198-208. 


BUPRESTID Ai. 


CASTELNAU DE LAPORTE & GORY.—Monographie des Buprestides. 
Paris, 1835. 


JOHN L. LE ContrE.—Revision of the Buprestide of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., n. ser., Vol. XI, 1859, pp. 187-258. 


G. R. CRoTcH.—Notes on the species of Buprestidz found in the United 
States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., 1873, pp. 84-96. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Revision of some genera of Buprestide. <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. X, 1882, pp. 101-112. 
Revises the group Anthaxie, viz., the genera Melanophila, Anthaxia, Xeno- 
rhipis. 
GEORGE H. HoRN.—A monograph of the species of Chrysobothris in- 
habiting the United States. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XIII, 
1886, pp. 65-123, plates II-VII. 


LAMPYRID A. 


JOHN L. LE ConTE.—Synopsis of the Lampyrides of Temperate North 
America. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. V, 1851, pp. 331-347. 


JOHN L. LE ConteE.—Synopsis of the Lampyridz of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. [X, 1881, pp. 15-72. 


sail 


25 


{ 


MALACHIID &. 


Joun L. Le ConteE.—Catalogue of the Melyrides of the United States, 
with descriptions of new species. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. 
VI, 1852, pp. 163-171. 


JOHN L. LE ContE.—Revision of the Dasytini of the United States. 
<Proce. Ac. Nat. Se., Phil., 1866, pp. 349-361. 


GEO. H. Horn.—Synopsis of the Malachide of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. IV, 1872, pp. 109-127. 


CLERID 4. 


M.SPINoLA.—Essai monographique sur les Clérites, insectes Coléoptéres. 
Génes, 1844, 2 vols., 47 plates. 


JOHN L. LE ConTE.—Synopsis of the Coleopterous insects of the group 
Cleridx, which inhabit the United States. <Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist., 
New York, Vol. V, 1849, pp. 9-35. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Synopis of the species of Cymatodera and Tri- 
chodes of the United States. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. V, 
1876, pp. 220-232. 


PTINID &. 


A. BoILDIEU.—Monographie de la tribu des Ptiniores. <Ann. Soe. 
Ent. France, 1856. 
A monograph of the subfamily Ptinine. 


JOHN L. LE ConTE.—Prodromus of a monograph of the species of the 
Tribe Anobiini, of the family Ptinide, inhabiting North America. 
<Proc. Ac. Nat. Se., Phil., 1865, pp. 222-244. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Revision of the Bostrichide of thé United States. 
<Proe. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. X VII, 1878, pp. 540-555. 


CUPESID 2%. 


JoHN L. LE ContE.—On the Oupeside of North America. <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. V, 1874, pp. 87-88. 


CIOID 2. 


J. MELLIE.—Monographie de V’ancien genre Cis des auteurs, <Ann. 
Soc. Ent. France, 1848, pp. 205-274 and 313-396, 4 plates. 


LUCANID 2. 


CHAS. Fucas.—Synopsis of the Lucanide of the United States. <Bull. 
Brookl. Ent. Soc., Vol. V, 1882, pp. 49-52 and 57-60, 1 plate. 


26 
SCARAB HID A. 


JOHN L. LE ConrE.—Notice of three genera of Scarabeide found in 
the United States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VIII, 1856, 
pp. 19-25. 


Treats of Ligyrus, Aphonus, and Polymechus. 


JOHN L. LE ContTe.—Synopsis of the Melolonthid of the United 


States. <Journ. Ac. Nat. Se, Phil., ser. 2, Vol. III, 1856, pp. 225- 
288. 


Gro. H. HoRN.—Notes on some genera of Coprophagous Scarabeide 
of the United States. <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., Vol. III, 1870, 
pp. 42-51. 


Tabulates Copris, p. 42; Canthon, p. 44; Amechanus (Bradycinetus), p. 48; 
Bolboceras, p. 49; Odontezus, p. 50. 


Gro. H. Horn.—Description of the species of Aphodius and Dialytes 


of the United States. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. III, 1870, pp. 
110-134, 


GEO. H. Horn.—Synopsis of Aphodiini of the United States. <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. III, 1871, pp. 284-297. 


Continuation of the foregoing paper. 


Gxro. H. Horn.—Descriptions of new Coleoptera of the United States, 
with notes on known species. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. Tie 
1870~71. 


Tabulates Cyclocephala, p. 334; Catalpa, p. 337; Cremastochilus, p. 339. 


Guo. H. Horn.-—Synonymical notes and descriptions of new species of 


North American Coleoptera. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. V, 
1875. 


Tabulates Onthophagus, p. 137; Ligyrus, p. 143; Strategus, p. 143. 


GrEoRGE H. HorN.—Revision of the United States species of Ochodeus 
and other genera of Scarabeide. <lrans. Am. Ent. Soc., Vol. 
V, 1876, pp. 177-197. 


Tabulates Ochodeus, p. 177; Macrodactylus, p. 183; Dichelonycha, p. 183; 
Ceenonycha, p. 192; Trichius, p. 194. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Contributions to the Coleopterology of the United 
States, No.3. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VIII, 1880. 


Tabulates Geotrnpes, p. 144; Phileurus, p. 147; and describes the species of 
Plectrodes, p. 145. 


FREDERICK BLANCHARD.—On the species of Canthon and Phanzus 
of the United States, with notes on other genera. <Trans. Amer. 
Ent. Soc., Vol. XII, 1885, pp. 163-172. 


Gro. H. Horn.—A monograph of the Aphodiini inhabiting the United 
States. <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soe., Vol, XIV, 1887, pp. 1-110, 


Supersedes the cwo papers cited above. 


| Pani ole Mile 


. 
ee ee ee ee 


a 


a ae 


ees ee” 


ro 


27 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Revision of the species of Lachnosterna of Amer- 
ica north of Mexico. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XIV., 1887, 
pp. 209-296, pl. IIT. 


CERAMBYCID A. 


S. S. HALDEMAN.—Materials towards a history of the Coleoptera Lon- 
gicornia of the United States. <Trans. Amer. Philos. Soe., ser. 2 
Vol. X, pp. 27-67; and Proc. .Am. Philos. Soc., Vol. IV, 1847, pp. 
371-376. 


JOHN L. LE ConrE.—An attempt to classify the Longicorn Coleoptera 
of the part of America north of Mexico. <Journ. Ac. Nat. Se. 
Phil., ser. 2, Vol. I, 1850, pp. 311-340; Vol. If, 1852, pp. 5-38; 
pp. 99-112 and 139-178. 


JOHN L. LE ConTE.—Note on the classification of the Cerambycida, 
with descriptions of new species. <Proe. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., 1862, 
pp. 38-42. 


JOHN L. LE CoNTE.—New species of North American Coleoptera. Pre. 
pared for the Smithsonian Institution. Part UI. <Smithson. Mise. 
Coll., Vol. XI, 1874. 

Tabulates the following genera: Criocephalus, p. 169; Eburia, p. 179; Ela- 
phidion, p. 181; Aneflus, p. 185; Crossidius, p. 196; Acmops, p. 208; 
Strangalia, p. 212; Typoverus, p. 213; Leptura, p. 215; Monilema, p. 229; 
Monohammzus, p. 231; Pogonocherus, p. 237 ; Saperda, p. 238. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Notes on some genera of Cerambycide of the 
United States. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VII, 1878, pp. 41-50. 
Gives tables of Pogonocherus, p. 42; Mecas, p. 44; Oberea, p. 45: Tetraopes, 

p. 48; Tetrops, p. 50. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Notes on some genera of Cerambycide, with de- 
scriptions of new species. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VILL, 
1880, pp. 115-133. 


A complete revision of the tribe Acanthoderini, p. 115; tables of Athecerus, 
p. 133; Cyllene, p. 134. 


CHas. W. LENG.—Synopsis of Coleoptera [Cerambycide]. <Bull. 
Brookl. Ent. Soc., Vol. VII, 1884, No. 1, p. 7, and in subsequent 
numbers; continued in Entomologica Americana, Vols. I-III, and 
not yet completed. 

Follows the classification by Drs. Le Conte and Horn. The tables for the 
determination of the species are partly reproduced from those given by 
Dr. Le Conte or Dr. Horn, and partly original by Dr. Horn or by Mr. 
Leng. 


GrorRGE H. Horn.—Descriptions of some new Cerambycids, with 
notes. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XII, 1885, pp. 173-197. 
Gives tables of Oxoplus, p. 175; Stenosphenus, p. 177; Moniiema, p. 180° 
Monohammus, p. 190; Goes, p. 193: Dorcaschema, p. 193: Oncideres, p. 
194; Eupogonius, p. 196; Dysphaga, p. 197. 


28 


CHRYSOMELID &, 


E. SUFFRIAN.—Monographie und kritisches Verzeichniss der nord- 
amerikanischen Cryptocephaien. <Linnea Entom., Vols. VI-VIII, 
185254, 


W. F. RoGERS ._—Synopsis of the species of Chrysomela and allied gen- 
era inhabiting the United States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. 
VIII, 1856, pp. 29-39, 1 plate. 


A synopsis of the present tribe Chrysomelini. 


JouNn L. LE ConTE.—On the species of Galeruca and allied genera in- 
habiting North America. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., 1865, pp. 204— 
999 


a el ed 


A review of Galerucini genuini. 


G. hk. CRotcH.—Materials for the study of the Phytophaga of the United 
States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., 1873, pp. 19-83. 
A revision of mist of the North American genera of Chrysomelide, omitting 


most of the Cryptocephalini, the Galerucini genuini and the genera Haltica 
and Longitarsus. 


JOHN L. LE ContTEeE.—Short studies of North American Coleoptera. 


<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VIII, 1880. 
Gives synoptic tables of Monachus, p. 195; Diachus, p. 196; Triachus, p. 


197; Bassareus, p. 198; Cryptocephalus, p. 199; Pachybrachys, p. 204. 
GEORGE H. Horn.—Miscellaneous notes and short studies of North 
American Coleoptera, Chrysomelide, Hispini. <Trans. Amer. 
Ent. Soc., Vol. X, 1883, pp. 290-303. 


BRUCHID A. 


Gro. H. Horn.—Revision of the Bruchide of the United Staies. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. IV, 1873, pp. 311-342. 


TENEBRIONID At. 


Gro. H. Horn.—Revision of the Tenebrionide of America, north of 
Mexico. <‘Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., n. ser., Vol. XIV, 1870, pp. 
253-404, 2 plates. 

CISTELID A. 
This family has never been monographed, and we have only tables of the 
genera Hymenorus and Mycetochares, by Le Conte, in ‘‘ New Species of 


North American Coleoptera” (Smithson. Misc. Contrib., etc., p. 135); and 
Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., XVII, 1878, p. 616. 


OTHNIID 4. 


The few species of the single genus constituting this family have been tablu- 
lated by Dr. Horn in Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. II, 1868, pp. 132, 133. 


LAGRIID 4. 


Gro. H. Horn.—Miscellaneous Coleopterous studies. <Trans. Amer. 
Ent. Soc., Vol. XV., 1888. 


Contains on pp. 28-32 a synopsis of the family. 


ee 


“——=<--* 


29 


MONOMMID A. 


JAMES THOMSON.—Monographie de la famille des Monommides. <Ann. 
Soc. Ent. France, 1860, pp. 5-38. 


A monograph of the family of the whole world. The few (four) species hitherto 
found in North America are tabulated by Dr. Horn in Trans. Amer. Ent. 
Soc., Vol. IV, 1872, p. 150. 


MELANDRYID A. 


No complete synopsis has hitherto been published, and excepting a table of 
Hallomenus, by Dr. Le Conte (Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XVII, 1878, 
p. 619), we can oniy record the following paper: . 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Notes on the Mycteride and other Heteromera. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VII, 1879, pp. 336-339. 


Tabulates Mycterus and Lacconotus. 


Gro. H. Horn.—Miscellaneous Coleopterous studies. <Trans. Amer. 
Ent. Soc., Vol. XV., 1888. 


Contains on pp. 32-44 a revised table of the tribes of Melandryidie and tables 
of the genera Eustrophus, Holostrophus, Orchesia, and Hypulus. 


PYTHID A. 


Excepting the table of Cononotus, by Dr. Horn (Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., Vol. 
II, 1868, p. 136), and a table of Pytho, by the same author (1. c. Vol. XV, 
1888, p. 45), we have no synoptic papers on this family. 


G8 DEMERID A. 


JoHN L. LE ConTE.—Synopsis of the Gidemeride of the United States. 
<Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VII, 1854, pp. 20-22. 


CEPHALOID A. 


The few species composing this family are tabulated by Dr. Le Conte in Mr. 
E. P. Austin’s Catalogue of the Coleoptera of Mount Washington, N. H. 
<Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. XVI, 1874, pp. 265-276. 


MORDELLID A. 


JOHN L. LE ContTE.—Synopsis of the Mordellidz of the United States. 
<Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., 1862, pp. 43-51. 


JOHN B. SmrirH.—A synopsis of the Mordellidz of the United States. 
<Trans. Amer. Ent. Soe., Vol. X, 1882, pp. 73-100, Plates I-III. 


RHIPIPHORID &. 


JOHN L. LE ConrE.—Note on the species of Myodites Latr., inhabiting 
the United States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., 1865, pp. 96-98. See 
also “Short Studies of North American Coleoptera.” < Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. VIII, 1880, p. 210. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Notes on the species of Rhipiphorus of the United 
States. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soec., Vol. V, 1875, pp. 121-125. 


ANTHICID ®. 


F. DE LA FERTE-SENECTERE.—Monographie des Anthicus et genres 
Voisius, Coléoptéres hétéroméres de la tribus des Trachélides. 
Paris, 184s. 


JoHN L. LE ConrE.—Synopsis of the Anthicites of the United States. 
<Proc. Ac, Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VI, 1852, pp. 91-104. 


JoHN L. Le ContTE.—Synopsis of the Pyrochroide of the United 
States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VII, 1855, pp. 270-275. 
The tribes Pedilini, Xylophilini, and Macratrini, formerly attached to the 
Pyrochroidz, are here treated. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Synopsis of the species of Corphyra Say, of the 
United States. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soe., Vol. III, 1871, pp. 278- 
922 
250. 
For subsequent tables by Dr. Horn of the same genus see Trans. Amer. Ent. 
Soe., Vol. V, 1874, p. 40, and, 1. ¢., Vol. X. 1883, pp. 305-310. 


PYROCHROID®. 


Joun L. Le CoNTE.—Synopsis of the Pyrochroide of the United 
States. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VII, 1855, pp. 270-275. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Miscellaneous Coleopterous studies. <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soe., Vol. XV, 1888. 


Contains on p. 47 a table of Dendroides. 
MELOID &. 


‘JoHN L. Le CONTE.—Synopsis of the Meloides of the United States. 
<Proe. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. VI, 1853, pp. 328-350. 


GEORGE H. Horn.—Revision of the species of several genera of Me- 
loidx of the United States. <Proc. Am. Philos. Soc., Vol. XIII, 
1875, pp. 88-117. 

Gives tables of Macro basis, p. 88; Epicauta, p. 95; Cantharis, p. 103; Pom- 
phopeea, p. 115. 


RHYNCHOPHORA. 


C. J. Sco GNHERER.—Genera et species Curculionidum cum Synonymia 
hujus familie... 8 vols., Paris, 1833~34. ; 
An additional volume, Mantissa secunda familie Curculionidum, appeared 
in 1847, 
A monograph of the Rhynchophora (including the Bruchidz) of the whole 
world but now antiquated. 


C. ZDIMERMANN.—Synopsis of the Scolytidz of America, north of Mex- 
ico. With Notes and an Appendix by J. L. Le Conte. <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soe., Vol. IT, 1868, pp. 141-178. - 


A oF - 


oko Pose 


= H. Horn.—The 


ta “~ 


a : « 


Brenthidz of the United States. <Trans. 


‘GrorcGe H. Horn.—Contribntions to a knowledge of the Curculioni- 
dz of the United States. <Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XIII, 
_-:1873, pp. 407-469. 

3 A revision of the Calandrid# and synopses of Otidocephalas, p. 443; Mag- 
; dalis, p. 452; Balaninus, p. 457; Orchestes, p. 461; Rhyssomatus, p. 463; 
Z S Z Chalcodermus, p. 465; Analeis, p. 467. 


J OHN B. SmiTH.—Synopsis of the Apioninez of North America. 
_ <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XI, 1874, pp. 41-68, 3 plates. 


Joun L. Le Conte anp Georce H. Horn.—The Rhynchophora of 
_ America, north of Mexico. <Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XV, 
coe 1876. 

A monograph of the North American Rhynchophora. 


Frepericx Biaxcwarp.—Table of Balaninus Germ. <Bull, Brook. 
Ent. Soc., Vol. VIL, 1554, pp. 106-108. 


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rae ap 


A 


ALS dre! 
a | 2 : 


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A 
PL) 


LEPIDOPTERA. 
[.—CATALOGUES AND LISTS. 


J. G. MorRISs.—Catalogue of the described Lepidoptera of North Amer- 
ica. Washington, Smithsonian Institution, 1860. 
This is the first catalogue of the North American Lepidoptera, but now greatly 
antiquated and superseded. 


J. W. WEIDEMEYER.— Catalogue of North American Butterflies. 
<Proe. Entom. Soe. Phil., Vol. II, 1863-66, pp. 143-154 and 513-542. 
Superseded by subsequent papers. 


A. R. GROTE AND C. T. ROBINSON.—A synonymical catalogue of North 
American Sphingid, with notes and descriptions. <Proc. Entum. 
Soc. Phil., Vol. V, 1865, pp. 149-193, 3 plates. 


Gives full and complete synonymy, with descriptions of several new genera 
and species. 


A. R. GROTE AND C. T. Ropinson.—List of the Lepidoptera of North 
America. Philadelphia, Ainer. Ent. Soc., 1868. 


Contains the Sphinvide, Ageriide, Thyride, Zygenide, and Bombycide. 


A. R. GRoTE.—List of the Noctuide of North America. <Bull. Buffalo 
Soe. Nat. Hist., Vol. II, 1874, pp. 1-77. 


The only synonymical and bibliographical catalogue of the North American 
Noctuide. 


S. H. ScuDDER.—Synonymie list of the Butterflies of North America, 
north of Mexico. PartI. Nymphales. <Bull. Buff. Soc. Nat. Hist., 
Vol. II, 1875, pp. 233-269; Part Il. Rurales. <J. ¢., Vol. THI, 1876, 
pp. 98-129. 


Contains a very complete synonymy, but its classification has not been adopted 
by subsequent writers. 


W. fF. Kirpy.—A synonymic catalogue of diurnal Lepidoptera. London, 
1871; Supplement, London, 1877. 


A complete synonymical list of the diurnals of the world. 


B. GERHARD.—Systematisches Verzeichniss der Macrolepidopteren 
von Nord-Amerika. Leipzig, 1878. 


Merely a check-list and not reliable. 


H. STRECKER.—Butterflies and Moths of North America. Diurnes. 
Reading, Pa., 1878. 
A very complete synonymical and annotated catalogue, with glossary of 
terms and an introductory chapter giving directions for collecting, pre- 
serving, and shipping butterflies. 


22310—Bull 19 3 ; 33 


34 


V. T. CHAMBERS.—Index to the described Tineina of the United States 
and Canada. <Bull. U. S. Geol. Survey Terr., Vol. LV, 1878, pp. 
125-167. 


An annotated catalogue, with descriptions of many new species. 


BROOKLYN ENTOMOLOGICAL Socrery.—Check-list of the Macrolepi- 
doptera of America, north of Mexico. Brooklyn, N. Y., 1882. 


A. R. GRoTE.—New Check List of North American Moths. New York, | 
Author, 1882. 


A list of all heterocerous Macrolepidoptera ; also the Pyralidx and Tortri- ; 
cide. Supersedes several previous lists by the same author. 


; 
| 
C. H. FERNALD.—A synonymical catalogue of the described Tortricidse 
of North America, north of Mexico. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soe., Vol. 
X, 1882, pp. 1-64; also separate. 


W. H. Epwarps.—Revised catalogue of the Diurnal Lepidoptera of 
America north of Mexico. <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., Vol. XI, — 
1884, pp. 245-338. 


This is the most recent reference and synonymic catalogue, superseding a 
similar catalogue by the same author published in 1877. : 


W. H. Epwarps.—List of species of the Diurnal Lepidoptera of Amer- — 
ica north of Mexico. Boston, Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1884, 4to. — 

A mere list of the species, following in all respects the catalogue just cited, — 

and printed to accompany Vol. II of the ‘‘ Butterflies of North America.” _ 


] 7 


II.—GENERAL WORKS ON CLASSIFICATION. 


G. A.W. HERRICH-SCHAEFFER.—Sammlung neuer oder wenig bekann- 
ter aussereuropiischer Schmetterlinge. Vol. I. Regensburg, 1850- 
758; Vol. II, Pt. 1, 1869. | 


Contains a classification of the Lepidoptera, which forms the basis of our 
present arrangement. 


JOHN G. MORRIS.—Synopsis of the described Lepidoptera of North 
America, Part I.. Diurnal and Crepuscular Lepidoptera. Wash- 
ington, Smithsonian Institution, 1862. 

Compiled descriptions of the North American Lepidoptera, from the Rho- 
palocera to the Bombycide. 

H. StRECKER.—Lepidoptera, Rhopaloceres et Heteroceres, indigenous 
and exotic; with descriptions and colored illustrations. Reading, 
Pa., 187277. 

Fifteen parts of this work have been published containing figures and de- 
scriptions of many North American species. 

JouNn B. SMItH.—An introduction to a classification of the North Amer- 
ivan Lepidoptera. <Bull. Brook). Ent. Soe., Vol. VII, 1884, pp. 70- 
74 and 81-83. 


A synopsis of the families of Lepidoptera, based on Herrich-Schueffer’s classi- 
fication. 


35 


III.—MONOGRAPHS AND SYNOPSES. 
Rhopalocera. 


J. A. BOISDUVAL.—Histoire naturelle des Insectes. Spécies général des 
Lépidoptéres. Suites 4 Buffon. Paris, 1836. 
Contains full. descriptions of the known species, but extends only from Pa- 
pilio to the end of Terias. 


EK. DOUBLEDAY AND W. C. HEwiITson.—The genera of diurnal Lepidop- 
tera, comprising their generic characters, a notice of their trans- 
formations, and a catalogue of the species of each genus; illustrated, 
with 86 colored plates from drawings by W. C. Hewitson. 2 vols., 
London, 184652. 

This work was completed by Westwood after the death of Doubleday. 


S. H. ScuppER.—Butterflies: Their structures, changes, and life-his- 
tories, with special reference to American forms. Being an appli- 
cation of the “ Doctrine of descent” to the study of Butterflies, with 
an appendix of practical instructions. New York, Henry Holt & 
Co., 1881. 


CARL PLOETZ.—Die Hesperiinen-Gatting Hesperia Awt. und ihre 
Arten. <Stettin. entom. Zeit., 1882, pp. 314-344, continued in 
subsequent volumes. 


JOHN B. SmMitH.—Synopsis of the genera of the North American Rho- 
palocera. <Bull. Brookl. Ent. Soc., Vol. VI, 1883, pp. 37-45. 


A tabular synopsis embracing all North American genera. 


C. H. FERNALD.—The Butterflies of Maine. Designed for the use of 
the students in the Maine State College, and the farmers of the 
State. Orono, Me., 1884. 


G. H. FrencuH.—The Butterflies of the Eastern United States. For 
the use of classes in Zoology and private students. Philadelphia, 
Lippincott & Co., 1886. 


Gives synopses of the genera and species, and descriptions of the species. 


BROOKLYN ENTOMOLOGICAL SocrETy.— Synopses of Butterflies. 
<Bull. Brooklyn Entom. Sve., Vol. I and subsequent volumes; con- 
tinued in Entomologica Americana, Vol. I. 


Synopses of the North American species of Rhopalocera, the later articles 
giving tables of species and bibliography. Not yet completed. 


SAMUEL H. ScUDDER.—Comparative tables for the families of Butter- 
flies. <Canad. Entom. Vol. XIX, 1887, No. 11, pp. 201-206. 


W. H. EpwARpDs.—Butterflies of North America. Boston, Houghton, 
Mifflin & Co. 


Two volumes are completed and the third is in course of publication. 


4 
36 ' 


Heterocera. 
SPHINGID A. 


T. W. Harris.—Descriptive Catalogue of the North American insects 
belonging to the Linnean genus Sphinx, in the cabinet of Thaddeus 
William Harris, M. D., librarian of Harvard University. <Amer. 
Journ. Se. and Arts, Vol. XXXVI, 1839, pp. 282-320. 

Includes not only the Sphingid as at present limited, but also the Zygieni- 
die of Grote’s new list. 

B. CLEMENS.—Synopsis of the North American Sphingides. <Journ. 
Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. IV, Pt. 2, 1859, pp. 97-190. 

A monograph of the family as at present'limited. 
J. A. BoISspDUVAL.—Sphingides, Sesiides, Castniides. Paris, Roret 1874. 
Forms part of the Suites 4 Buffon, and is Vol. I of the Spécies général des 
Lépidoptéres hétéroceres, 

A. G. BuTLER.—Revision of the Heterocerous Lepidoptera of the 
family Sphingide. <Trans. Zool. Soc. London, Vol. IX, 1877, pp. 
511-644, Pl. XC-XCIV. 

A descriptive catalogue. 

JOHN B. Smiru.—An introduction to a classification of the North 
American Lepidoptera. Sphingide. <EHEntom. Amer., Vol. I, 1885, 
pp. 81-87. 


Contains a synopsis of the genera, with brief remarks on each. 


C. H. FERNALD.—The Sphingide of New England. Orono, Me., 1886. 
Gives the life-history, so far as known, of all species recorded from New Eng- 
land. 


JOHN B, SMITH.—A monograph of the Sphingide of North America, 
north of Mexico. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. XV, 1888, Part II, 
12 plates. 

[This is not published but is included here because now in the printer’s 
hands.—C. V. R.] 

SESIID 4g. 

See papers by Harris and Boisduval above cited, who treat the Sesiide asa 
part of the Sphingidew, both works being antiquated so far as they relate to 
the Sesiida. 

JOHN B. Smrra.—An introduction to a classification of the North 
American Lepidoptera. <Entom. Amer., Vol. [X., 1888, pp. 9-13. 


THYRID A. 


This family has also been treated by Harris and Boisduval as a part of the 
Sphingide. 


ZYGALNID ZA. 


A. 8. PAcKARD, Jr.—Notes on the family Zygenide. <Proc. Essex 
Institute, Vol. IV, 1864, pp. 7-47, Pl. I, LL. 


Description of a number of new genera and species, with notes on others. 


P | } 37 
A. R. GRoTE.—Catalogue of the Zygenide of North America. <Bull.. 
Buffalo Soc. Nat. Se., Vol. I, 1873, pp. 29-36. 
R. &. StrREtTcH.—Illustrations of the Zygenida and Bombycidez of 
North America. San Francisco, Cal., Author, 1874. 


JOHN B. Smiru.—Notes on the systematic positiou of some North 
<Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc., Vol. XII, 


American Lepidoptera. 
1885, pp. 77-84. 
Discusses the genera classed as Zygeenide in Grote’s list, and separates them 
into carefully defined groups. 
BOMBYCID 4. 


A. 8. PACKARD, Jr.—Synopsis of the Bombycide of the United States. 
<Proc. Entom. Soe. Phil., Vol. ILI, 1864, pp. 97-130 and 331-396. 


A. R. GROTE.—On the North American Platypterygine. <Trans. Amer. 


Ent. Soc., Vol. II, 1868, pp. 65-67. 
A. R. GRoTE.—List of the North American Platypterices, Attavi, Hemi- 

leucini, Ceratocampade, Lachneides, Teredines, and Hepiali, with 
<Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XIV, 1874, pp. 256-264. 


notes. 
R. H. StRETCH.—Illustrations of the Zygenide and Bombycide of 


North America. San Francisco, Cal., Author, 1874. 


The Lithosiidz and Arctiide are principally treated. 

A. G. BUTLER.—On the Lepidoptera of the family Lithosiid, in the 
collection of the British Museum. <Trans. Entom. Soc. London, 
1877, pp. 325-377, Pl. VIII. 

A. R. GROTE.—Table of species of Euchetes. <Canad. Entom., Vol. 


XIV, 1882, pp. 196, 197. 
J. S. BAILEY.—Some of the North American Cosside, with facts in 
the life history of Cossus centerensis Lintner. <Bull. No. 3, 1883, U. 
S. Department of Agricult., Divis. of Entomol., pp. 49-55, Pl. I, I. 
H. H. Lyman.—The North American Callimorphas. <Canad. Ent. Vol. 


XIX, 1887, pp. 181-191, plate. 
JOHN Bb. SmitnH.—The North American species of Callimorpha, Latr. 


<Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1887, pp. 342-353, Pl. XIII, XIV. 
NOCTUID A. 
A. GUENEE.—Noctuelites. Spécies général des Lépidoptéres. 
a Buffon. Paris, Roret, 1852, Vols. 5-7. 
Vol. VIII of the same work treats the Deltoides et Pyralites, the former group 
now being attached to the Noctuide. 


A. k. GROTE.—A Revision of the species of Cymatophorina found in the 
United States and British America, with descriptions of new species. 


<Proc. Entom. Soc. Phil., Vol. II, 1863, pp. 54-59. 


Suites 


i 


38 


A. R. GrorE.—The species of Erotyla, Spragueia, Fruva, Xanthoptera, 
Exyra, and Prothymia. <Canad. Ent., Vol. XI, 1879, pp. 231-238. 


A. Rh. GRoTE.—On the described North American species of Thalpo- 
chares. <Canad. Entom., Vol. XII, 1880, pp. 57-59. 


A. R. GRoTE.—List of North American Bombyciz of Hiibner. <Canad. 
Entom., Vol. XIII, 1881, pp. 151-153. 


A. Kh. GRore.—Preliminary list of the North American species of A grotis, 
With descriptions. <Bull. U. S. Geol. Survey, Vol. VI, 1881, pp. 
149-164, 


A. R. GrorE.—North American Moths, with a preliminary catalogue 
of the species of Hadena and Polia. <Bull. U. S. Geol. and Geogr. 
Survey, Vol. VI, 1881, pp. 257-277. 


A. R. GRoTE.—The North American species of Mamestra. <Canad. 
Entom., Vol. XIII, 1881, pp. 126-130. 


A. R, Grote.—New Noctuids, with a list of the species of Oncocnemis. 
<Papilio, Vol. I, 1881, pp. 33-35. 


A. R. Grotr.—New Noctuidae, with list of species of Perigrapha. <Can. 
Knt., Vol. XIII, 1881, pp. 131-134. 


A. R. Grore.—The North American species of Eustrotia. <Papilio, 
Vol. I, 1881, pp. 10-11. 


JOHN B, SmitH.—A synopsis of the North American genera of the 
Noctuide. <Bull. Brooklyn Entom. Soc., Vol. IV, 1882, pp. 48-52, 
and Vol. V, from May till November, 1882. 

Contains a tabular synopsis of the genera, with critical notes on many of them. 


JOHN B. SmirH.—Remarks on the generic characters of the Noctuide. 
<Canad. Ent., Vol. XIV, 1882, pp. 65-72. 


Gro. H. FRENCH.—Synopsis of the Noctuide of Ilinois. Greenville, 
[lls., 1882. <Curator’s Report in the eighth Ann. Rep. of the Prin- 
cipal to the Board of Trustees of the South Il. Normal University. 


A. Rh. GRorE.—Notes on the genus Tripudia, and on the species of 
Spragueia. <Canad. Ent., Vol. XIV, 1882, pp. 32-33. 

A. R. GRoTE.—List of the species of Tripudia and Gyros. <Canad. 
Entom., Vol. X1V, 1882, pp. 195-196. 


A. R. GROTE.—Introduction toa study of the North American Noctuide. 
<Proe. Amer, Philos. Soe., Vol. XXI, 1883, pp. 134-176. 
Gives a brief review of structural characters of the family and a list of the 
Species described by Grote, with descriptions of several new genera and 
species, 


mr \ 
39 


A. R. GRotE.—List of Apatele belonging to the groups Acronicta and 
Trizna. <Papilio, Vol. ILI, 1883, pp. 67-70. 


A. R. GrotE.—Conclusion of List of American Apatelas. < Papilio, 
Vol. L1I, 1883, pp. 111-117. 


A.R. Grore.—On the North American Calpine to Heliothine. <Canad. 
Ent., Vol. XV, 1883, pp. 72-77 and 102-110. 

JOHN B. SmMitH.—Synopsis of the North American Heliothinz, <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. X, 1883, pp. 205-256, pl. VII, VIII. 


A. R. GRoTE.—Remarks upon the North American Heliothine and their 
recent literature. <Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. X, 1883, pp. 257- 


268. 


G. D. Hutst.—The genus Catocala. <Bull. Brookl. Ent. Soc., Vol. 
VII, 1884, pp. 13-56, Pl. I. 


A complete monograph of the genus. 


GEOMETRID &. 


A. 8S. PACKARD, Jr.—A monograph of the Geometrid moths or Pha- 
lenidze of the United States. <U.S. Geological Survey of the 
Terr. Department of the Interior. F.V. Hayden, U.S. Geologist 
in charge. Report, Vol. X, Washington, D. C., 1876, pp. 607, 13 
plates. 

This supersedes all prior works and gives a complete index to the prior litera- 
ture as well as a description of every species. 


PYRALIDA. 


A. GUENEE.—Deltoides et Pyralites. Spécies général des Lépidopteres. 
Vol. VIII, Suites 4 Buffon. Paris, Roret, 1854. 


A. R. GROTE. —Preliminary studies on the North American Pyralide. | 
<Bull. U.S. Geol. and Geogr. Surv. Terr., Vol. IV, 1878, pp. 669- 
705. 


Includes annotated list of the North American species of Botis, and provisional 
list of species of Phycide. 


A. Rk. GROTE.—Preliminary list of North American species of Crambus. 
<Canad. Ent., Vol. X11, 1880, pp. 77-80. 


TORTRICID A. 


CoLEMAN T. RoBINSON.—Notes on American Tortricide. <Trans. 
Amer. Ent. Soc., Vol. Il, 1869, pp. 261-288, Pls. 1 and [IV-VIII. 


THOMAS, LORD WALSINGHAM.—North American Tortricide. British 
Museum. Illustrations of typical specimens of Lepidoptera heter- 
ocera in the collection of the British Museum. 1 vol., folio, 1879, 
pp. 12+84, Pl. XVII. 


40 


C, H. FERNALD.—A synonymical catalogue of the described Tortricidz 
of North America, north of Mexico. <Trans. Amer. Entom. Soc. 
Vol. X, 1882, pp. 1-64. 


TINEID A. 


B. CLEMENS.—The Tineina of North America, by the late Dr. Bracken- 
ridge Clemens. Being a collected edition of his writings on that 
group of insects. With notes by the editor, H. T. Stainton. Lon- 
don, Van Voorst, 1872, pp. 154-282. 


V. T, CHAMBERS.—Index to the described Tineina of the United States 
and Canada. <Bull. U.S. Geol. and Geogr. Surv. Terr., Vol. IV, 
1878, pp. 125-167. 


THOMAS, LORD WALSINGHAM.—North American Coleophore. <Trans. 
Ent. Soc. London, 1882, pp. 429-442, Pl. XVII. 


THomAS, LORD WALSINGHAM.--A revision of the genera Acrolophus, 
Poey and Anaphora, Clem. <Trans. Entom. Soc. London, 1887, 
pp. 137-1738, Pls. VII, VIII. 


DIPTERA. 


I.—CATALOGUES. 


C. R. OSTEN SACKEN.—Catalogue of the described Diptera of North 
America. Washington, Smithsonian Institution, 1858. <Smith- 
sonian Miscell. Collections, Vol. III. 


C. R. OSTEN SACKEN.—Catalogue of the described Diptera of North 
America. [Second edition.} Washington, Smithsonian Institu- 
tion, 1878. <Smithsonian Miscell. Collections, 270. 


This completely supersedes the first edition and contains by far more than a 
synonymical reference list of the North American Diptera. 


I.—GENERAL WORKS ON CLASSIFICATION. 


F. W. MEIGEN.—Systematische Beschreibung der bekannten euro- 
paischen zweifliigeligen Insecten. 7 vols. Aachen und Hamm, 
1818~38. : 


Although only dealing with the European fauna and now antiquated and 
superseded in many parts, this work is still the foundation of the modern 
classification of Diptera. 


C. R. W. WIEDEMANN.—Aussereuropiische zweifliigelige Insecten. 
2 vols. Hamm, 1828-30. 
A continuation of Meigen’s work, and.containing descriptions of many genera 
and species belonging to the North American fauna. 


J. MACQUART.—Dipteres exotiques nouveaux ou peu connus. 2 vols. 
in 5 parts and 5 supplements. Paris, 1838-55. 
Contains descriptions of many North American genera and species. 


J. R. SCHINER.—Fauna Austriaca. Die Fliegen (Diptera). Nach der 
analytischen Methode bearbeitet, mit der Characteristik simmt- 
licher europiischer Gattungen, der Beschreibung aller in Deutsch- 
land vorkommenden Arten und der Aufziihlung aller bisher be- 
schriebenen europiischen Arten. 2 vols., Wien, 1862-64. 

Although dealing with the European fauna, this work is very useful on ac- 
cou nt of the analytical tables of families and genera. 


H. LoEw AnD C. R. OSTEN-SACKEN.—Monographs of the Diptera of 
North America. (Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections.) 4 parts. 
Washington, Smithsonian Institution, 1862-72. 

The several monographs will be found enumerated under the respective 


families. 
41 


42 


H. Lo—Ew.—Diptera Americ septentrionalis indigena. 2 parts. Ber- 
lin, 1861-72. (Originally published in 10 centuriz in the Berliner 
Entomol. Zeitschrift.) 

Descriptions of 1,000 North American Diptera, but without synoptic arrange- 
ment. 

C. R. OsTEN-SACKEN.—Western Diptera: Descriptions of new genera 
and species of Diptera from the region west of the Mississippi and 
especially from California. <Bull. U. 8. Geol. and Geogr. Survey 
of the Territories, Vol. III, 1877, pp. 189-354. 


F. BRAUER.—Die Zweifliigler des Kaiserlichen Museums zu Wien. 
I-III. Wien, 1880-83. 


Important contributions to the classification of the Diptera. 


III.—MONOGRAPHS AND SYNOPSES. 
CECIDOMYID 4s. 


J. WINNERTZ.—Beitrag zu einer Monographie der Gallmiicken. 
<Linnea Entomologica, Vol. VIII, 1853, 4 plates. 


R. OSTEN SACKEN.—On the North American Cecidomyide. <Mono- 
graphs of the Diptera of North America, by H. Loew and Osten 
Sacken, Part I, No. 5, 1862, pp. 173-205. 

B. D. WALsH.—On the insects, Coleopterous, Hymenopterous, and 
Dipterous, inhabiting the galls of certain species of Willow. Dip- 
tera. <Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., Vol. III, 1864, pp. 543-644; Vol. 
VI, 1866, pp. 223-229. 

J. VON BERGENSTAMM AND PAuL LokEw.—Synopsis Cecidomyidarum. 


<Verh. k. k. zool.-bot. Ges. in Wien, Vol. XX VI, 1876, pp. 1-104. 
A synopsis of all the literature of the family. 


MYCETOPHILID A. 


J. WINNERTZ.—Beitrag zu einer Monographie der Pilzmiicken. 
<Verh. k. k. zool.-bot. Ges. in Wien, 1863, pp. 637-694. 


Useful for determination of genera; no American species are described. 


J. WINNER?TZ.—Beitrag zu einer Monographie der Sciarinen. <Verh. 
k. k. zool.-bot. Ges. in Wien, 1867. 


BLEPHAROCERID &. 


H, Lorw.—Revision der Blepharoceride. <Schles. Zeitschr. f. Entom., 
neue Folge, Heft VI, Breslau, 1877. 


TIPULIDA. 


C. R. OSTEN SACKEN.—New genera and species of North American 
Tipulidz with short palpi, with an attempt at a new classification 
of the tribe. With two plates. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., 1859, 
pp. 197-256. 


—) 


43 


R. OstEN SACKEN.—On the North American Tipulide (Part First). 
<Monographs of the Diptera of North America, Part IV, 1869. 
A monograph of the North American Tipulide brevipalpi and the sections 
Cylindrotomina and Ptychopterina. 
C. R. OSTEN SACKEN.—Studies on Tipulide. Part I. Review of the 
published genera of the Tipulidz longipalpi. <Berliner entomol. 
Zeitschr. Vol. XXX, 1886, pp. 153-188. 


XYLOPHAGID 4. 


Fr. BRAUER.—Versuch einer Characteristik der Gattungen der Nota- 
canthen (Ltr.), mit Riicksicht auf die im Kaiserlichen Museum be- 
findlichen von Dr. J. R. Schiner aufgestellten neuen Gattungen. 
<Die Zweifliigler des Kais. Museums zu Wien, Vol. II, 1882, pp. 
3-35. 

The Notacantha Latreille comprise the families Xylophagide and Stratio- 
myide. 

S. W. WILLISTON.—On the classification of North American Diptera. 
(Third paper.) <Entomolog. Amer., Vol. I, 1885, pp. 114-116. 


Tables for distinguishing the families Stratiomyide and Xylophagide and 
oscillant genera; table of the genera of Xylophagide. 


STRATIOMYIDA. 


S. W. WILLISTON.—On the classification of North American Diptera 
(Third paper.) <Entomolog. Amer., Vol. I, 1885, pp. 114-116 and. 
152-155. 


Tables of the subfamilies and genera of the family. 
TABANID At. 


C,. R. OSTEN SACKEN.—Prodrome of a monograph of the Tabanide of 
the United States. <Memoirs of the Boston Soe. of Nat. Hist., Vol. 
II, 1875-78. 
Part I. The genera Pangonia, Chrysops, Silvius, Hemotopota, Diabasis (1. ¢., 
pp. 365-397). Part II. The genus Tabanus, with an Appendix and Index 
(1. c., pp. 421-479). Supplement (J. ¢., pp. 555-560). 
S. W. WILLISToN.—On the classification of North American Diptera. 
(Second paper.) <Entomol. Amer., Vol. I, 1885, pp. 10-13. 


Contains a synopsis of the genera of Tabanidex, pp. 10-11. 


LEPTIDA. 


S. W. WILLISTON.— On the classification of North American Diptera. 
(Second paper.) <Hntomol. Amer., Vol. I, 1885, pp. 10-13. 


Table of the genera of North American Leptide. 


ASILID A. 


C. R. OSTEN SACKEN.— Western Diptera, etc. <Bull. U. S. Geol. and 
Geogr. Survey of the Territories, Vol. III, No. 2, 1877. 


Synoptical and analytical table of the Western species of Cyrtopogon, pp. 294- 
309. 


+i 


S. W. WriLListon.—On the North American Asilidze (Dasypogonine, 
Laphrine), with a new genus of Syrphide. <Trans. Amer. Ent. 
Soc., Vol. XI, 1883, pp. 1-35, Pl. I, I. 

Tabulates the genera of the subfamilies Dasypogonine and Laphrine, with 
euumeration of the species. 

S. W. W1LLIStToN.—On the North American Asilide (Part II). <Trans. 
Aimer, Ent. Soe., Vol. XII, 1885, pp. 53-76. 

Tabulates the species of Laphria and revises the genera and species of the 
subfamily Asilinw, excepting the genus Asilus. 


MIDAID Ai. 


A. GERSTAECKER. — Systematische Uebersicht der bis jetzt bekannt 
gewordenen Mydaiden. <Stettiner ent. Zeit., 1868, p. 65. 


NEMESTRINID &. 


S. W. WILLISTON.—The North American species of Nemestrinide. 
>Canad. Entom., Vol. XV, 1883, p. 69-72. 


BOMBYLIIDZE. 


©. R. OSTEN SACKEN.—Western Diptera, ete. <Bull. U. 8S. Geolog. 
and Geog. Survey of the Territories, Vol. III, No. 2, 1877. 
Analytical table of the North American genera of Bombyliide, p. 228; Tables 
of the species of Exoprosopa, p. 230; Anthrax, p. 238; Argyrameeba, p. 
241; Bombylins (species from the Atlantic States), p. 247; Ploas (Califor- 
nian species), p. 260; Toxophora, p. 265; Epibates, p. 268. 
D. W. CoQuILLETT.—Monograph of the Lomatina of North America. 
<Caunad. Entom., Vol. X VIII, 1886, pp. 81-87. 
The Lomatina comprise the genera Eucessia, Leptochilus, Aphcebantus, and 
Oncodocera. 
D. W. CoguiILLETt.—The North American genera of Anthracina. 
<Canad. Entom., Vol. XVIII, 1886, pp. 157-159. 


A tabular arrangement of the genera composing the subfamily Anthracina. 
D. W. CoguILLETT.—Monograph of the species belonging to the genus 


Anthrax from America, north of Mexico. <Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., 
Vol. XIV, 1887, No. 2, pp. 159-182. 


DOLICHOPODID Ai. 


H. Lozkw.—On the North American Dolichopodide. <Monographs of 
the Diptera of North America. Part L, 1864. 


SYRPHID A. 

S. W. WILLISTON.—Contribution to a monograph of the North Ameri- 
can Syrphide. <Proe. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XX, 1882, pp. 299- 
332. 

S. W. WILLISTON.—On the classification of North American Diptera. 
(First paper.) <Bull. Brookl. Ent. Soc., Vol. VII, 1885, pp. 129- 
139. 


A synopsis of the subfamilies and genera of Syrphide. 


45 


S. W. WILLISTON.—Synopsis of the North American Syrphide. 
<Bull. U. S. National Museum, No. 31, 1886. 


This work supersedes the previous ae MiGasions on this family. 


CONOPIDA. 


S. W. WILLISTON.—The North American species of Conops. <Trans. 
Conn. Acad., Vol. IV, 1882, pp. 325-342. 


S. W. WILLISTON.—North American Conopide: Stylogaster, Dalman- 
nia, Oncomyia. <Trans. Conn. Acad., Vol. VI, 1883, pp. 5-12. 
A revision of the three genera mentioned. 
(STRID A. 


FRIEDRICH BRAUER.—Monographie der Oestriden. Wien, 1863. 
Four supplements, by the same author, are published in Wiener Entom. Zeit., 
Vol. V, 1886, p. 289, tab. IV., Vol VI, 1887, p. 4, p. 71 and 217. 


TACHINID A. 


S. W. WILLISTON.—North American Tachinide. Gonia. <Canad. 
Entom., Vol. XIX, 1887, pp. 6-12. 


A revision of the species of Gonia. 


SARCOPHAGID 4. 


H. A. HacEn.—List of North American Sarcophagide, examined by 
R. H. Meade, esq., Bradford, England. <Canad. Entom., 1881, 
Vol. XUI, pp. 146-150. 


ANTHOMYID 4. 


R. H. MEADE.—On the arrangement of the British Anthomyide. <Hn- 
tomol. Month. Mag., Vol. XI, 1875. 


Contains an analytical table of the genera. 


H. A. HAGEN.—List of North American Anthomyide, examined by R. 


M. Meade, esq., Bradford, England. <Canad. Entomol., Vol. XIII, 
1881, pp. 43-51. 


SCIOMYZID A. 


H. Lo—w.—On the North American Sciomyzide. <Monographs of 
the Diptera of North America, Part I, i862, pp. 103-128. 


ORTALID &. 


H. LokEw.—The family Ortalide. <Monographs of the pee of 
North America, Part II, 1873, pp. 1-209. 


TRYPETID A. 


H. Lo—Ew.—On the North American Trypetide. <Monographs of the 
Diptera of North America, Part I, 1862, pp. 49-102. 


46 


H. Lorw.—Review of the North American Trypetina. <Monographs 
of the Diptera of North America, Part III, 1873, pp. 211-347. 


EPHYDRID Ai. 


H. LoEw.—On the North American Ephydrinids. <Monographs of 
the Diptera of North America, Part I, 1862, pp. 129-172. 


PULICIDAL. 


O. TASCHENBERG.—Die Fléhe. Die Arten der Insektenordnung Sue- 


toria nach ihrem Chitinskelet monographisch dargestelit. Halle, 
18380. 


P, MEGNIN.—Les parasites et les maladies parasitaires chez Vhomme, 
les animaux domestiques et les animaux Sauvages avec lesquels ils 


peuvent tre en contact. Insectes, Arachnides, Crustacés. Paris, 
1880. 


The Pulicide (Aphaniptires) are treated of on pp. 57-71. 


We on. 


HEMIPTERA. 


Heteroptera. 


I—CATALOGUES AND CHECK-LISTS. 
F. A. DoHRN.—Catalogus Hemipterorum. Stettin, 1859. 


Puitie R. UALER.—Check-List of the Hemiptera Heteroptera of North 
America. Published by the Brooklyn Entom. Soc., 1886. 


IL.—GENERAL WORKS ON CLASSIFICATION. 


C. W. HAHN UND G. A. W. HERRICH-SCHAEFFER.-—Die wanzenartigen 
Insecten. 10 vols. Nuernberg , 183153. 


OC. J. B. AMyor ET J. G. AUDINET-SERVILLE.—-Hémiptéres. Suites 
a Buffon. Histoire Naturelle des Insectes. Paris, 1843. 


C. SraL.—Analecta hemipterologica. Berlin, 1866~69. 3 parts. Orig- 
inally published in the Berlin. entom. Zeitschr. 


C. STAL.—Bidrage till Hemipterernas Systematik. Stockholm, 1867. 


C. SrAu.—Hemiptera Fabriciana, secundum exempla Musei Hafniensis 
et Kieliensis descripta. 2 parts. Stockholm, 1868-69. 


J.G. SCHIOEDTE.—Einige neue Hauptsiitze der Morphologie und Syste- 
matik der Rhynchoten. <Naturh. Tidskr., 1869, p. 237ff. 


P. R. UHLER.—List of Hemiptera of the region west of the Mississippi 
River, including those collected during the Hayden explorations of 
1873. <Bull. U. S. Geol. and Geogr. Survey of the Terr., Vol. I, 
1875, pp. 267-361, Pl. XIX-—XXI. 


P. R. UHLER.—Report upon the insects collected by P. Rk. Uhler during 
the exploration of 1875, including monographs of the families 
Cynidz and Saldz, and the Hemiptera collected by A. S. Pack. 
ardj, jr.. M. D. <U. 8S. Geolog. and Geogr. Survey, Bulletin, Vol. 
III, No. 2, 1877, pp. 355-475. 


C. Srau.—-Enumeratio Hemipterorum. Bidrag till en férteckning 6fver 
alla hitills kinda Hemiptera (or: Index specierum omnium hucusque 
cognitarum cum observationibus systematicis). <Kongl. Svensk. 


Vet.-Akad. Handl., 1870~77, 5 parts. 
47 


48 


HERBERT OSBORN.--Classification of Hemiptera. <Entomologica 
Amer., Vol. I, 1885, pp. 21-27. 
Short characterization of the whole order, with tables of suborders and 
families. ; 


IIT.—MONOGRAPHS AND SYNOPSES. 


Heteroptera. 


SCUTELLERID 2. 


BH. F. GERMAR.—Beitrige zu einer Monographie der Schildwanzen. 
Germar’s Zeitschr. f. Entomol., Vol. I, 1839, pp. 1-146. 


Now greatly antiquated; treats of the Scutellerids and Co1ymelenide. 
CYDNID &. 


P. R. UHLER.—Summary of the Cydnide of North America in report 
upon the Insects collected by P. R. Uhler, ete. .< Bulletin. U.S. 
Geolog. Survey, Vol. III, 1877, pp. 366-396. 


V. SIGNORET.—Ré€vision du groupe des Cydnides de la famille des 
Pentatomides. <Annales de la Société Entomol. de France, 1881, 
and subsequent volumes to 1884. 
A monograph ofthe Cydnidz of the whole world. 


COREID 2. 
©. SraL.—Synopsis et genera Coreidum. Stockholm, 1860~72. 
CAPSID#. 


O. M. REUTER.—Revisio critica Capsinarum, precipue Scandinavie et 
Fennie. 2 parts. Helsingfors, 1875. 


O. M. REUTER.—Capsine ex America boreali in Museo Holmiensi 
asservate. Stockholm, 1875. 


ACANTHIID Ai. 


O. M. REUTER.—Acanthiide Americane. Stockholm, 1871. 


O. M. REUTER.—Monagraphia Anthocoridarum orbis terrestris. <Act. 
Soc. Fenn., Vol. XIV, 1886, pp. 555-758. 


REDUVIID A. 


©. Srau.—Monographie der Gattung Conorhinus und Verwandten. 
Berliner entomog. Zeitschr., Vol. III, 1859, pp. 312-328. 


©. STAL.—Symbola ad Monographiam Reduviidum, 3 parts. Stock- 
holm, 186072. 


©. STAL.—Bidrag till Reduviidernas kiinnedomen. Stockholm, 1866. 


: 
P 


49 
EMESID&. 


F, A. DoHRN.—Beitriige zu einer monographischen Bearbeitung der 
Familie der Emesina, <Linnzea Entomol., Vol. XLV, 1860, pp. 206- 
a00, Table I. 

SALDID 4. 


P. R. UHLER.—Family Salde. (Report upon the insects collected by 
P. R. Uhler during the explorations of 1875.) <Bull. U.S. Geol. 
and Geogr. Survey, Vol. III, No. 2, 1877, pp. 429-452. 


BELOSTOMID &. 


JOSEPH LEIDY.—History and Anatomy of the Hemipterous genus 
Belostoma. <Journ. Ac. Se. Phil., Ser. 2, Vol. I, 1847, pp. 57-67, 
Table 1. 


Lron DuFouUR.—Essai monographique sur les Bélostomides. <Ann. 
Soe. Entom. de France, 1863, pp. 373-400. 


G. MAyr.—Hemipterologische Studien. Die Belostomiden. <Verh. 
k. k. zool.-bot. Ges. in Wien, 1863-’71, 


G. MAyr.—Die Belostomiden. Monographisch bearbeitet. <Verh. 
k. k. zool.-bot., Ges. in Wien, 1871, pp. 399-440. 


NOTONECTID &. 


FP. X. FIEBER.—RKhynchotographien, drei monographische Abhandlun- 
gen. Sciocoride, Oxycarenus, Notonecte. <Abhandl. kén. béhm. 
Ges. Wiss. Prag, Ser. 5, Vol. VII, 1851, pp. 425-488. 


CORISID Ai. 


F. X. FIEBER.—Species generis Corisa monographice disposit. 
<Abhandl. kén. béhm. Ges. d. Wiss. Prag, Ser. 5, Vol. VII, 1852, 
pp- 215-260. 
GALGULID &. 


F, X. FIEBER.—Genera Hydrocoridum secundum ordinem naturalem 
in familias disposita. <Abh. kén. béhm. Ges. Wiss., Vol. VII, 
1852, pp. 181-212, 4 pl. 


Homoptera. 


TOWNEND GLOVER.—Report of the Entomologist. <Report of the 
Commissioner of Agriculture for the year 1877, pp. 17-46. 
A popular treatise on the subject, with illustrations. 


FRANCIS P. PASCoE.—Note on the Classification of the Homoptera. 
<Ann. and mag. Nat. Hist., Vol. LX, 1882, pp. 424, 425. 
22310—Bull 19——4 


50 


CICADID.A. 
CHARLES WILLIAM WooDWORTH.—Synopsis of North American Cieca- 
didz. <Tsyche, Vol. V, 1888, pp. 67-68. 
JASSID@ (including the Tettigoniide). 


V. SIGNORET.—Revue iconographique des Tettigonides. <Ann. Soe. 
Entom. de France, 185355, with colored plates. 

V. SIGNORET.—Essai sur les Jassides Stal, Fieb. et plus particuliére- 
ment sur les Acocéphalides Puton. <Ann. Soc. Entom. France, 
187980. 

BK. TASCHENBERG.—Zur Kenntniss der Cicadellinen-Gattung Tettigonia 
Geoff. <Zeitschr. fiir Naturw., Vol. V, 1884. 

CHARLES W. WoopwortH —Jassidie of Illinois. Part I. <Bulletin 
Ill. State Labor. Nat. Hist., Vol. ILI, Art. II, 1887. 

CERCOPID &. 


VY. SIGNORET.—Revue critique du groupe des Tettigonides et de la tribu 
des Cercopides. <Revue et Mag. de Zool., Vol. V, 1853, pp. 173-184. 


FULGORIDA. 


J.O. WESTWooD.—On the family Fulgoride, with a monograph of the 
genus Fulgora of Linneus. <Trans. Linn. Soe. London, Vol. 
XVIII, 1839, pp. 1383-238, 1 pl. 


©. STAL.—Die amerikanischen Fulgoriden-Gattungen synoptisch be- 
schrieben. <Stettiner entomol. Zeit., Vol. XX XI, 1870, pp. 255- 
58. 


bo 


MEMBRACID A. 


C. SrAu.—Bidrag till Membracideruas Kiinnedom. <Oefvers. af 
Kongl. Vet.-Akad. Férhandl., 1869. 


PSYLLID ZA. 


FRANZ LOw.—Zur Systematik der Psylloden. <Verh. d. k.k. zool. 
bot. Ges. in Wien, Jahrgany 1878, pp. 585-610. 
Characteristics and tables of the European subfamilies and genera. Super- 
sedes all previous classifications. 


Wm. H. ASHMEAD.—On the Aphidide of Florida, with descriptions of 
new species. Family Psyllide. <Canad. Entom., Vol. XIII, 1881, 
pp. 220-225. 
Gives a list of the North American species, with descriptions of several new 
ones, 
C. V. RinEy.—Notes on North American Psyllide. <Proe. Biolog. 
Soc. of Washington, Vol. II, 1884, pp. 67-79. 
A classified list of the North American Psyllide hithereto described, with short 


characteristics of the subfamilies, and descriptions of some new genera 
and species, 


eT a — 


ee 


51 


APHIDID A. 


Beng. D. WALSH.—On the genera of Aphid found in the United 
States. <Proc. Ent. Soc. Phil., Vol. 1, 186163, pp. 294-310. 


Cyrus THOMAS.—Notes of the Plaut-lice found in the United States. 
<Trans. Ill. Hortic. Soc., 1877, pp. 137-212. 
A review of the family, including the Psyllidw ; reproduces tke descriptions 
of earlier authors, and adds descriptions of new species. 


Cyrus THOMAS.—A list of the species of the tribe Aphidini, family 
Aphid, found in the United States, which have been heretofore 
named, with descriptions of some new species. <lIllinois State 
Laboratory of Nat. History, Bulletin No. 2, 1878, pp. 3-16. 


Cu. V. RILEY AND J. MONELL.—Notes on the Aphidide of the United 
States, with descriptions of species occurring West of the Missis- 
sippi. <Bull. U.S. Geol. and Geogr. Survey of the Terr., Vol. V, 
No. 1, 1879, pp. 1-32, 2 pl. 

Riley gives the biology and description of several Pemphiginz ; Monell, de- 
scriptions, with occasional tables, of a number of Aphidinz. 


Cyrus THOMAS.—Eighth Report of the State Entomologist on the 
noxious and beneficial insects of the State of Illinois. Third Annual 
Report, by Cyrus Thomas, Springfield, 1879. 


The report treats wholly on the Aphididz of the United States and is an en- 
largement of the author’s paper in the Trans. Ill. Hortic. Soc., 1877. 


Go. B. BuckToN.—Monograph of the British Aphides. 4 vols. Ray 
Society, London, 1875-83. 
This is the latest European work on this family, containing tables for the de- 
termination of the genera. 


O. W. OESTLUND.—Synopsis of the Aphididze of Minnesota. <Bull. 
No. 4 Geol. and Nat. Hist. Survey of Minn., Saint Paul, 1887. 


COCCID #. 


V. SIGNORET.—Essai sur les Cochenilles. <Ann. Soc. Ent. de France, 
1868-76. 


J. H. ComstTock.—-Report on Scale Insects. <Annual Report of the 
Commissioner of Agriculture for the year 1880, Washington, 1881, 
pp. 276-349, plates. 


J. H. Comstock.—Second Report on Scale Insects, including a mono- 
graph of the sub-family Diaspine of the family Coccide and alist, 
with notes, of the other species of Scale Insects found in North 
America. <Second Report of the Cornell University Experiment 
Station, 188283, Ithaca, N. Y., 1883, pp. 47-143, Plates I-IV. 


52 
PEDICULID. 


H. DENNY.—Monographia Anoplurorum Britannie, or an essay on the 
British species of parasitic insects. London, 1842, 26 plates. 


C. G. A. GIEBEL.—Insecta epizoa. Die auf Saiigethieren und Végeln 
schmarotzenden Insekten. Nach Zeichnungen von C. L. Nitzsch. 
Leipzig, 1874, 20 plates. 


ANDREW MuturraAy.—Economic Entomology. Aptera. South Ken- 
sington Museum Science Handbooks. London and New York, 1877. 
The Pediculide are treated on pp. 384—400. 


P. MEGNIN.—Les Parasites et les maladies parasitaires chez Phomme, 
les animaux domestiques et les animaux sauvages avec lesquels ils 
peuvent étre en contact. Insectes, Arachnides, Crustacés. Paris, 
1880. 

The Pediculide are treated on pp. 72-79. 


E. P1aAcGer.—Les Pediculines. Description de toutes les espéces ob- - 


servées, enrichie d’espéces nouvelles. Leide, 1880, 56 plates ; Sup- 
plement, 1885, 17 plates. 


i. 


ORTHOPTERA. 


I.—CATALOGUES. 


SAMUEL H. ScuDDER.—A catalogue of the Orthoptera of North Amer- 
ica described previous to 1867. Smithsonian Institution. Miscella- 
neous Collections 189, 1868. 

An alphabetical, not synonymical, list of the Orthoptera described from 
North America; contains also a full bibliography up to 1867. 


J. SIDNEY SmitH.—Orthoptera of the State of Maine. <Proc. Port- 
land Soe. Nat. Hist., 1868, pp. 143-151. 

A synonymical catalogue of the Orthoptera found in Maine, with notes on 
habits and distribution of the species. 


Cyrus THomMAS.—A list of the Ort hoptera of Illinois. <Bull. Ills 
Mus. Nat. Hist., No. 1, 1876, pp. 59-69. 


A synonyiical list of the Orthoptera found in Illinois. 


II.—GENERAL WORKS ON CLASSIFICATION. 


J. G. AUDINET-SERVILLE.— Histoire naturelle des Insectes Orthop- 
teres. Paris, 1839, 776 pp., 14 plates. 
Natural history of the order up to date, with bibliography and list of species 
described. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Orthoptera nova Americana (Diagnoses pre- 
liminares). Series I-III. <Revue et Mag. de Zool., 1859—61. 
Contains synoptical tables of species, besides descriptions of numerous North 
American Orthoptera. 


SAMUEL H. ScuDDER.—Materials for a monograph of the North Ameri- 
can Orthoptera. <Boston Journal of Nat. Hist., Vol. VII, 1862, 
pp. 409-480. 


Contains synoptical tables and a review of the system used for classification. 


SAMUEL H. ScUDDER.—Remarks upon the arrangement of the families 
of Orthoptera. <Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. XII, 1863869; 
also separate under the title: Entomological Notes, Vol. II, pp. 7-14. 


SAMUEL H. SCUDDER.—Synoptical tables for determining North Ameri- 
can insects. Orthoptera. <Psyche, Vol. I, 1876, pp. 169-171. 


Synopsis of the families of Orthoptera; also a list of useful works in the study 
of North American Orthoptera. 


53 


54 


II..—SYNOPSES OF FAMILIES OR SUBFAMILIES. = 


PHYSAPODA (THRIPID 4). 


A. H. HAurpay.—An Epitome of the British genera in the Order 
Thysanoptera, with indications of a few of the species. <Ento- ! 
mol. Mag., Vol. III, 1836, pp. 439-451. 


FRANCIS WALKER.—List of specimens of Homopterous Insects in the 
collection of the British Museum. 5 vols. and 1 vol. Supplement. 
London, 1850-758. 

The Physapoda, compiled from Haliday’s manuscripts are treated in the sup- 
plement. 

These are the only classificatory papers on this family. No systematic paper 
on the North American Physapods has hitherto been published, and only 
a few species are described by various authors. 


FORFICULID Ai. 


H. DouRn.—Versuch einer Monographie der Dermapteren. <Stet- 
tiner entomol. Zeit., Vols. XX{V-XXVI, 1863-65. 
A monograph of the Forficulidz of the whole world. 


SAMUEL H. ScuppER.—Synoptical tables for determining North Amer- 
ican insects. Orthoptera. U.S. Forficularie. <Pysche, Vol. I, 
£876, pp. 177, 178. 

Tabulates thirteen species and gives a list of books useful for the study of 
the family. 


SAMUEL H. ScuppER.—Brief Synopsis of North American Earwigs, 
with an appendix on the fossil species. <Bull. U. 8. Geol. and ; 
Geogr. Surv. Terr., Vol. II, No. 3, 1876, pp. 249-260. 


SAMUEL H. ScuDDER.—Critical and historical notes on Forficularie, 
including descriptions of new generic forms and an alphabetical 
synonymic list of the described species. <Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. 
Hist. July—Oct., 1876, Vol. XVIII, pp. 287-332. 


BLATTID A. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Orthoptera nova Americana (Diagnoses pre- 
liminares). Ser. III. <Revue et Mag. de Zool., 1862. 


Contains descriptions of new Blattid, with synoptical arrangement. 


©. BRUNNER VON WATTENWYL.—Nouveau systéme des Blattaires. 
Vienna, 1865, 426 pp., 13 plates. 
Synoptical arrangement of all described species, with descriptions of many 
new ones; also bibliography on the family. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Mélanges Orthoptérologiques. 6 fascicules. ? 
Geneve, 1863-’78. 


Fascicule II contains the Blattide. 


©. SrAL.—Recherches sur le systéme des Blattaires. Stockholm, 1874. 


55 


PHASMID &. 


GEORGE R. GRAY.—Synopsis of the species of insects belonging to 
the family of Phasmide. London, 1835. 


J.O. WESTWOOD.—A catalogue of the Jrthopterous insects in the 
British Museum. Part I. Phasmide. London, 1859. 


C. Srau.—Recensio Orthopterorum. Revue critique des Orthoptéres 
décrits par Linné, De Geeret Thunberg. Part3. Stockholm, 1875. 


Synoptical tables of the genera of Phasmide, with notes on many species. 
MANTID A. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Hssai @’un systéme des Mantides. <Mittheil. 
d. schweiz. ent. Ges., Vol. ILI, 1869, pp. 49-73. 
Classification of the Mantide. Part 2 contains descriptions of North Ameri- 
can species. 
HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Additions au systeme des Mantides. Genéve, 
ike Ole 


. Synoptic table of genera and species of North American Mantide. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Mantides américains. Genéve, 1871, 186 pp., 
2 pl. 


A synopsis of the North American species. 


©. SrAu.—Recherches sur le systéme des Mantides. Stockholm, 1873. 


GRYLLID ZA. 


SAMUEL H. ScUDDER.—Revision of the large, stylated, fossorial crick- 
ets. <Memoirs of the Peabody Academy of Sciences, Vol. I, No. 
1, 1869. 


Descriptions of the species of Scapteriscus and Gryllotalpa. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.— Mélanges Orthoptérologiques. Gryllides. Two 
parts. Geneve, 1877—78. 
A monograph of the family, containing synoptical tables of the genera and 
species. 


LOCUSTID A. 


C. SrAL.—Recensio orthopterorum. Revue critique des orthopteres 
décrits par Linné, De Geer et Thunberg. (Part 2.) Stockholm, 1874. 


Contains synoptical tables of the genera. 


C. BRUNNER VON WATTENWYL.—Monographie der Phaneropteriden. 
Wien, 1878, 402 pp., 8 pl. 

A synoptical monograph of the Katydids of the world, with full bibliography 
and full synonymy of the species. 

Ignacio BoLivaAr.—Arthropodos del Viage al Pacifico, veriticado de 
1862-1865 por una comision de naturalistas enviada por el Go- 
bierno Espanol. Insectes neuropteros y ortopteros. Madrid, 1884, 
114 pp., 3 pl. 


Contains a synoptical table of the genus Conocephalus, with descriptions of 
new species. 


56 
AORIDID&. 


©. SrAL.—Recensio Orthopterorum. Revue critique des Orthopteres 
décrits par Linné, De Geer et Thunberg. Part1. Acridide, Stock- 
holm, 1873. 


A synoptical arrangement of the genera of the family, with descriptions of 
new genera and species. 


Oyrus THOoMAS.—Synopsis of North American Acridide. <Report U. 
S. Geol. Survey, Vol. V, Part 1, 1873. 


A systematical arrangement of the described species of North American 
locusts: Part 1. Species of the United States; Part 2. Species from 
other parts of North America. 


SAMUEL H. ScupDDER.—Spharagemon, a genus of Gidipodide; with 
a revision of the species. <Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. XVII, 
1875, pp. 467-471. Separate, under the title: Entomol. Notes, IV, 
pp. 66-70. 


A synopsis of the genus, with descriptions of new species. 


SAMUEL H. ScupDER.—A revision of two American genera of Cidi- 
podidz. <Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. XVII, 1875, pp. 478- 
485. Separate, under the title: Entomol. Notes, Vol. IV, pp. 77-84. 


A synopsis of the genera Encoptolophus and Tragocephala. 


Cyrus THomAS.—Manual of economic entomology. Part IlJ. The Acri- 
didz of Illinois. <Ninth Report of the State Entomologist... 
of the State of [llinois, 1880, pp. 73-140. 


Contains a synoptical table or key to the families of Orthoptera, a key to the 
subfamilies and genera, and a key to the Illinois species of Acridide. 


LAWRENCE BRUNER.—North American Acridide, north of Mexico. 
<Third Report U. 8. Entomolog. Commission, 1883, pp. 55-61. 


A systematical list of the species described from North America. 


HENRI DE SAUSSURE.—Prodromus Gidipodiorum Insectorum ex ordine 
Orthopterorum. Geneve, 1884, 4to, 254 pp. 


A synoptical monograph of the subfamily Gdipodine of all countries, with 
descriptions of new species. 


NEUROPTERA (INCLUDING PSEUDONEUROPTERA). 


I.— CATALOG UES. 


No catalogue of the North American Neuroptera—not even a partial one-—has 
ever been published. 


II.—GENERAL WORKS ON CLASSIFICATION. 


HERMANN BURMEISTER.—Handbuch der Entomologie. Berlin, 1832- 
735. 
The Neuroptera are treated in Vol. II, Part I. 
P. RAMBUR.—Histoire naturelle des Neuroptéres. Suites a4 Buffon. 
Paris, 1842. 


HERMANN HAGEN.—Synopsis of the Neuroptera of North America, with 
a list of the South American species. Prepared for the Smithsonian 
Institution. Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Washington, 
1861. 


IIT.—MONOGRAPHS AND SYNOPSES. 
TERMITID A. 


H. A. HAGEN.—Monographie der Termiten. <Linnza entomol., Vols. 
X, XII, and XIV, 1855-60. 


EMBIID A. 


H. A. HAGEN.—Monograph of the Embidina. <Canadian Entomol. 
Vol. XVII, 1885. 


Only one species of this family has hitherto been found in the United States. 
PSOCID Ai. 


H, A. HAGEN.—Beitriige zur Monographie der Psociden. <Stettiner 
entomol. Zeit., Vols. XLIIL and XLIV, 1882~83. 


PERLID Ai. 


F, J. PIOTET.—Histoire naturelle générale et particuliére des insectes 
Neuroptéres. Premiére monographie: Famille des _ Perlides. 
Geneve, 1841~42. 

EPHEMERID &. 


F, J. PictET.—Histoire naturelle générale et particuliére des insectes 
Neuroptéres. Seconde monographie: Famille des Ephémérines. 
Genéve, 1843-45, 


57 


58 
Bens. D. WALSH.—List of the Pseudoneuroptera of Illinois contained 
in the cabinet of the writer, with descriptions of over forty new 
species, and notes on their structural affinities. <Proc. Ac. Nat. 
Se. Philadelphia, 1862, pp. 361-402. 


This paper contains, on pp. 367, 368, a table of the genera of Ephemeride. | 


BENJ. D. WALSH.—Observations on certain North American Neurop- 
tera, by H. Hagen, M. D., of Koenigsberg, Prussia; translated 
from the original French MS., and published by permission of the 
author, with notes and descriptions of about twenty new North 
American species of Pseudoneuroptera. <Proc. Entom. Soe. 
Phila., Vol. Il, 1863-64, pp. 167-272. 

Contains a modification of the table of genera of Ephemerida, pp. 195, 196; 


a table of the subgenera of Gomphus, p. 253; and a ‘‘Synoptical table of 
the subfamilies of the family Odonata,” pp. 259, 260. 


A. E. Earon.—A monograph on the Ephemeride. Part 1. The 
nomenclature of the Ephemeride. <Trans. Entom. Soc. London, 
1871, pp. 1-164, 6 pl. 


A. E. Eaton.—A Revisional Monograph of recent Ephemeride} or 
Mayflies. <Trans. Linn. Soc. London, 1883-86. 


Four parts have hitherto been published. 


ODONATA. 


E. DE SELYS LoNGcHAMPS ET H. HAGEN.—Monographie des Calop- 
térygines. Bruxelles, 1854. 


EK. DE SELYS LONGCHAMPS ET H. HAGEN.—Monographie des Gom- 
phines. Bruxelles, 1858. 


= 


E. DE SELYS LONGCHAMPS.—Synopsis des Agrionines. 6 parts. 
Bruxelles, 1860-65. 


E. DE SELYS LonGcHAMpPs.—Synopsis des Cordulines. Bruxelles, 
1871. 


H. A. HAGEN.—-Synopsis of the Odonata of America. <Proc. Boston 
Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. X VIII, 1875, pp. 20-96. 


Omitting the subfamily Agrionina. 
HEMEROBID 4. 


G. TH. SCHNEIDER.—Symbola ad monographiam generis Chrysopxe 
Leach. Vratislavie, 1851. 


H. A. HAGEN.—Hemerobidarum synopsis synonymica. <Stettiner 
entomol. Zeit., 1866, pp. 369-462. 


H. A. HAGEN.—Monograph of the Hemerobide. <Part I, Proc. Bos- 
ton Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. X XIII, 1886, pp. 250-269; Pt. II, l. ¢., pp. 
276-292. 


Apparently not yet completed. 


59 
PANORPID &. 


J.O. WESTWOOD.—Monograph of the genus Panorpa. <“rans. Entom. 
Soc, London, Vol. IV, p.1. 


PHRYGANID A. 


R. McLACHLAN.—Notes on North American Phryganide, with especial 
reference to those contained in the collection of the British Museum. 
<Entom. Annual for 1863, pp. 155-163. 


Contains a list of North American Phryganids. 


H. A. HAGEN.—Phryganidarum Synopsis synonymica. <Verh. k. k. 
zool.-bot. Ges. in Wien, Voi. XIV, 1864, pp. 799-890. 


H. A. HAGEN.—Beitriige zur Kenntniss der Phryganiden. <Verh. k. 
k. zool.-bot. Ges. in Wien, Vol. XXIII, 1873, pp. 377-452. 


H. A. HAGEN.—[On the Phryganide.| <Proc. Boston Soe. Nat. Hist., 
Vol. XV, 1873, pp. 384, 385. 


A list of the North American species. 


A. E. EAton.—On the Hydroptilide, a family of the Trichoptera 
<Trans. Entom. Soc. London, 1873, pp. 125-151. 


Gives a list of the species, and synopsis of genera. 


MALLOPHAGA. 


H. DENNY.—Monographia Anoplurorum Britannize. London, 1842, 26 
pl. 


C. G. A. GIEBEL.—Insecta epizoa. Die auf Siugethieren und Végeln 
schmarotzenden Insekten. Nach Zeichnungen von C, L. Nitzsch. 
Leipzig, 1874, 20 pl. 


ANDREW MuRRAyY.—Economic Entomology. Aptera. South Ken- 
sington Museum Science Handbooks. London and New York, 
1877. 

The Mallophaga (Anoplura) are treated on pp. 375-384. 


P. MEGNIN.—Les Parasites et les maladies parasitaires chez Vhomme, 
les animaux domestiques et les animaux sauvages avec lesquels ils 
peuvent étre en contact. Insectes, Arachnides, Crustacés. Paris, 
1880. 


E. PIAGET.—Les Pédiculines. Description de toutes les espéces ob- 
servées, enrichie d’espéces nouvelles. Leide, 1880, 56 pl.; Sup- 
plement, 1885, 17 pl. 


O, TASCHENBERG.—Die Mallophagen mit besonderer Beriicksichtigung 
der von Meyer gesammelten Arten. Halle, 1882. 


60 
THYSANURA. 


A. S. PACKARD, Jr.—Synopsis of the Thysanura of Essex County, 
Mass., with descriptions of a few extralimital forms. <Fifth An- 
nual Report of the Trustees of the Peabody Academy of Science 
for the year 1872, Salem, 1875, pp. 23-51. 


JoHN LuBBOcK.—Monograph ofthe Collembola and Thysanura. Lon- 
don, Ray Society, 1873. 
The introduction gives the full bibliography up to date. 


ANDREW MurRAY.—Economie Entomology. Aptera. South Kensing- 


ton Museum Science Handbooks, London and New York, 1877. 
The Thysanura are treated of on pp. 401-416. 


MYRIAPODA. 


I,—CATALOGUES. 


No comprehensive catalogue or list have hitherto been published on the 
North American Myriapods. 


II—COMPREHENSIVE WORKS. 


THomASs SAay.—Descriptions of the Myriapode of the United States. 
<Journ. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., Vol. If, 1821, pp. 102-114; Say’s Entom. 
Writings, ed. Le Conte, Vol. II, pp. 24-32. 


This is the first paper of importance on the North American Myriapoda. 


GEORGE NEwPortT.—Monograph of the class Myriapoda, Order Chilo- 
poda. <Trans. Linnean Soe. of London, Vol. XIX, 1845, ppg 265- 
302 and 349-439. 


C. L. Kocu.—System der Myriapoden. Regensburg, 1847. 
C. L. Kocu.—Die Myriapoden. 2 vols. Halle, 1863. 


Horatio ©. Woop, Jr.—On the Chilopoda of North America, with 
Catalogue of all the specimens in the collection of the Smithsonian 
Institution. <Journ. Ac. Nat. Se. Phil., New Ser., Voi. V, 1863, pp. 
5-42. 


Horatio ©. Woop, Jr.—The Myriapoda of North America. <Trans. 
Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XIII, 1865, pp. 137-248, 3 pl. 
This is the first and only monograph of the Myriapoda published in this 
country. 


ANDREW MurrAyY.—Economic Entomology. Aptera. South Kensing- 
ton Museum Science Handbooks, London and New York, 1877. 


ROBERT LATZEL.—Die Myriapoden der Oesterreichisch-Ungarischen 
Monarchie. Erste Halfte: Die Chilopoden, Wien, 1880. Zweite 
Hialfte: Die Symphylen, Pauropoden und Diplopoden, Wien, 1884. 


The most recent comprehensive work on this order, and very important from 
a classificatory standpoint. 


A. 8S. PACKARD, Jr.—On the morphology of the Myriapoda. <Proe. 
Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. X XI, 1883, pp. 197-209. 


LucIEN M. UNDERWoOOD.—The North American Myriapoda. <Ento- 
mol. Amer., Vol. I, 1885, pp. 141-151. 
A complete bibliographical review of the subject, with tables of families and 


genera. 
61 


62 


UI.—MONOGRAPHS AND SYNOPSES OF FAMILIES AND GENERA. 
PAUROPODA (families Pawropodide and Hurypauropodide). 


A. S. PACKARD, Jr.—New or rare Neuroptera, Thysanura, and Myria- 
poda. < Proc. Boston Soc. of Nat. Hist., Vol. XIII, 1870, pp. 405-411 


A. S. PackARD, Jr.—A remarkable Myriapod. <Amer. Natur., Vol. 
LV, 1870, p. 621. 


Joun A. RypDER.—Discovery of two remarkable genera of minute 
Myriapoda ir Fairmount Park. <Amer. Natur., Vol. XII, 1878, pp. 
557, 558. 


JoHN A. RyDER.—An account of a new genus of minute Pauropod 
Myriapods. <Amer. Natur., Vol. XIII, 1879, pp. 603-612. 


DIPLOPODA (families Polyxenide, Polyzonide, Polydesmide, Chor- 
deumide, Lysiopetalide, and Julide). 


Horatio ©. Woop.—Descriptions of new species of North American 
Polydesmide. <Proc. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phil., 1864, pp. 6-10. 


JoHn A. RYDER.—List of the North American species of Myriapods 
belonging to the family of the Lysiopetalide, with a description of 
a blind form from Luray Cave, Virginia. <Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 
Vol. IIT, 1881, pp. 524-529. 


A. S. PACKARD, Jr.—A revision of the Lysiopetalid, a family of Chi- 
lognath Myriapoda, with a notice of the genus Cambala. <Proe. 
Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. X XI, 1883, pp. 177-197. 


CHARLES H. BOLLMAN.—Notes on North American Julidz, with de- 


scriptions of new species. <Ann. N. Y. Ac. Se. Vol. IV, Nos. 1 
and 2, pp. 25-44. 


CHILOPODA (families Scutigeride, Geophilide, Scolopendride, and Litho- 
biide). 


Lupwie Kocu.—Die Myriapodengattung Lithobius. Niirnberg, 1862. 
A monograph of the geuus, comprising the species of all continents. 


A, StuxBERG.—Nya nordamerikanska Lithobier. <Ofversigt k. Ve- 
tensk. Acad. Forh., Vol. XX XII, No. 2, 1875, pp. 65-72. 


A. STUXBERG.—Lithobioide Americ borealis. Ofversigt af Nord- 
Amerikas hittills kiinda Lithobiider. <Ofversigt k. Vetensk. Acad. 
Forh., Vol. XXXII, No. 3, 1875, pp. 23-32. 


Fr. MEINERT.—Myriopoda Musei Cantabrigensis, Mass. Part I. Chi- 
lopoda. <Proe. Amer. Philos. Soc., 1885, pp. 161-233. 


Of great value for the study of classification, though containing no synopses. 


Pe. 
sissies 


ARACHNIDA. 


I.—CATALOG UES. 


No catalogue of the North American forms has so far been published. 


II.—COMPREHENSIVE WORKS. 


C. W. HAHN AND C. L. KocH.—Die Arachniden. Niirnberg, 1831—48, 
16 vols. with 563 pl. 


H. Lucas.—Descriptions et figures d’espéces nouvelles d’Arachnides. 
Paris, 1835-36. 


C. A. DE WALCKENAER.—Histoire naturelle des Insectes (Suites a Buf- 
fon). Apteres. Paris, Roret, 1837-47, 4 vols., with 52 pl. 
The first work on general classification of this order, and many North Amer- 
ican species are described from drawings by Bosc and Abbot. 


N. M. HENTZ.—Descrip tions and figures of the Araneides of the United 
States. <Journ. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. [V-VI, 184250. 


These papers form the basis of the study of American arachnology. Numerous 
species are described, but not in synoptic form. 


T. THORELL.—On European Spiders. PartI. Review of the European 
genera of Spiders. Upsala, 1869~70. 


N. M. HEnTz.—Araneze Americe septentrionalis. The Spiders of the 
United States. Edited by J. H. Emerton and E. Burgess. <‘‘ Oc- 


casional Papers” of the Boston Society of Natural History, 1875. 
A reprint of Hentz’s papers on North American spiders. 


GRAF EUGEN KEYSERLING.--Amerikanische Spinnen aus den Fami- 
lien Pholcoide, Scytodoide und Dysderoide. <Verh. k. k. zool.- 
bot. Ges. in Wien, Vol. XX VII, 1877, pp. 205-234. 


GRAF EUGEN KEYSERLING.—Neue Spinnen aus Amerika. (Six 
parts.) <Verh. k. k. Zool.-bot. Ges. in Wien, Vols. XXIX- 
XXXIV, 1879-84. 


E. Smwon.—Les Arachnides de France. Paris, Vols. I-V, 1874—84. 
These two works represent the most recent systems of classification, and are 
therefore of great general value, although they deal only with the Euro- 
pean fauna. : 


LuciEN M. UNDERWooD.—The Progress of Arachnology in America. 


<Amer. Natur., Vol. X XI, 1887, pp. 963-975. 


A very useful review of the bibliography, with synoptic table of the families 
of the Aranee. 


rT = 


63 


64 


III.—MONOGRAPHS AND SYNOPSES. 
Aranee. 
EPEIRID . 


GRAF E. KEYSERLING.—Beschreibung neuer und wenig bekannter 
Arten aus der Familie Orbitele Latr. oder Epeiridze Sund. 
<Sitzungsber. d. naturw. Ges. Isis in Dresden, 1863 (1864), pp. 63- 
154. 


J. E. Emerton.—New England Spiders of the family Epeiride. 
<Trans. Connect. Acad. of Se, Vol. VI, 1884, pp. 295-342. 


THERIDID Zi. 


O. P. CAMBRIDGE.—On some new species of Erigone from North Amer- 
ica. Two parts. <Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1874, pp. 428-442 ; 
1875, pp. 893-405. 


J. H. EmErRtTOoN.—New England Spiders of the family Theridide. 
<Trans. Conn. Acad., Vol. VI, 1882, pp. 1-86. 


GRAF E. KEYSERLING.—Die Spinnen Amerikas. II. Theridide. 1. 
Hialfte, Niirnberg, 1854; 2. Hilfte, Niirnberg, 1886. 


THOMISID As. 


GRAF E. KEYSERLING.—Die Spinnen Amerikas. Laterigrade. Niirn- 
berg, 1880. 
ATTID &. 


G. W. AND E. G. PECKHAM.—Descriptions of new or little known 
spiders of the family Attide, from various parts of the United 
States of North America. Milwaukee, 1883. 


DRASSID 48. 


C. L. Kocu.—Die Arachniden-Familie der Drassiden. Niirnburg, 
1866-68. 


O. P. CAMBRIDGE.—On some new species of Drassides. <Proe. Zool. 
Soc. London, 1874, pp. 370-419 


LYCOSIDE. 


GRAF E. KEYSERLING.—Ueber amerikanische Spinnen-Arten der 
Unterordnung Citigrade. <Verh. k. k. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, Vol. 
XXXVI, 1876, pp. 609-708. 


J. H. EmMerton.—New England Spiders of the family Lycoside. 
<Trans. Conn. Acad., Vol. VI, 1885, pp. 481-505. 


65 
MYGALID&. 


ANTON AUSSERER.—Beitrige zur Kenntniss der Arachniden-Familie 
der Territelariz Thorell. <Verh. k. k. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, Vol. 
me ST. pps L724. 


J. T. MoGGRIDGE.—Harvesting Ants and Trap-door Spiders, with sup- 
plementary descriptions of species by Rev. O. P. Cambridge. Lon- 
don, 1875-74. 


ANTON AUSSERER.—Zweiter Beitrag zur Kenntniss der Arachniden. 
Familie der Territelariz Thorell. <Verh. k. k. zool.-bot. Ges. 
Wien, Vol. XXV, 1875, pp. 125-206. 


Arthrogastra. 


T. THORELL.—On the classification of Scorpions. <Ann. and Mag, 
Nat. Hist., Vol. XVII, 1876, p..1 ff. 


T. THORELL.—Etudes scorpiologiques. Milan, 1877. 


Lucien M. UNDERWOOD.—A preliminary list of the Arthrogastra of 
North America (excluding Mexico). <Canad. Entom., Vol. XVII, 
1885, pp. 162-169. 


SOLPUGID A. 


EK. Stwon.—Essai dune classification des Galéodes. <Ann. Soc. Ent. 
France, 1879, pp. 93 ff. 


Fr. KarscH.—Zur Kenntniss der Galeodiden. <Archiv fiir Natur- 
gesch., Vol. XLVI, 1880. 


J. DUNCAN PuTNAM.—The Solpugide of America. Arranged for pub- 
lication by Herbert Osborn. <Proc. Davenport Ac. Nat. Se., Vol. 
III, 1882, pp. 149 ff. 

This monograph remained incomplete on account of the death of the author. 
It contains a complete bibliography on the family. 


SCORPIONID &. 


HorRAtTio C. Woop, Jr.—Descriptions of new species of North American 
_Pedipalpi. <Proe. Acad. Nat. Se. Philadelphia, 1863, p. 107-112. 


HoRAtio C. Woop, Jr.—On the Pedipalpi of North America. <Journ. 
Acad. Nat. Se. Philadelphia, 2d ser., Vol. V, 1863, pp. 357-376, Pl. 
2.4 OF 


J. THORELL.—On the classification of Scorpions. <Ann. and Mag. of 
Nat. Hist., 4th ser., Vol. X VII, 1876, pp. 1 ff. 


J. THORELL.—Etudes Scorpiologiques. <Act. Soc. Ital. d. Se. Nat., 
Vol. XIX, 1877, pp. 75 ff. 
22310—Bull 19——5 


66 


Fr. Karscu.—Scorpionologische Beitriige. <Mitth. d. Miinchener 
Entom. Ver., 1879, 2 parts. 


CHERNETID &. 
A. MENGE.—Ueber die Scheerenspinnen Chernetide. Danzig, 1855. 


H. A. HAGeN.—Synopsis Pseudoscorpionidum, synonymica. <Proc. 
Boston Soe. Nat. Hist., Vol. XIII, 1870, pp. 263-272. 


Lupwie Kocu.—Uebersichtliche Darstellung der européischen Cher- 
netiden. Niirnberg, 1873. 


* PHALANGID &. 


Horatio C. Woop, Jr.—On the Phalange of the United States of 
America. <Commun. of the Essex Inst., Vol. VI, 1868, pp. 10-40. 


J. THORELL.—Conspectus familiarum et generum Europzorum ordinis 
Opilionum. <Ann. del Mus. civico d. Storia nat. de Genova, 1876, 
pp. 462 ff. 


E. Stwon.—Essai dune classification des Opiliones Mecostethi. <Ann. 
Soc. Entom. de Belgique, Vol. XXII, 1880, pp. 183-241. 


Acarina. 


A. DuGcks.—Recherches sur Vordre des Acariens (III™* Mémoire). 
<Ann. des Se. Nat., I1™° sér., Vol. I, 1836, Zoologie, p. 18 ff. 


LEON DuFouR.—Descriptions et figures de quelques parasites de l’or- 
dre des Acariens. <Ann. des Se. Natur., Vol. XI, 1839, p. 274 ff. 


H. NICOLET.—Histoire naturelle des Acariens qui se trouve aux envi- 
rons de Paris. <Archives du Muséum (histoire nat. de Paris, Vol. 
VII, 1854-55. 


C. G. GIEBEL.—Insecta Epizoa. Die Parasiten der Saéugethiere und 
Vogel. Leipzig, 1874. 


P, M&enin.—Mémoire sur les Métamorphoses des Acariens en général 
et en particulier sur celles des Trombidions. <Ann. des Se. Nat., 
Sér. VI, Vol. IV, 1876, Article 5. 


P. M&enin.—Mémoire sur Vorganisation et la distribution zoologique 
des Acariens de la famille des Gamasidés. <Journ. d’Anatomie et 
de Physiologie, 1576, pp. 288-336. 


J. P. MEGNIN.—Monographie de la Tribu des Sarcoptides Psorique, 
subdivision de la famille des Sarecoptides, ordre des Acariens. 
<Revue et Magasin de Zoologie, 1877. 


67 


P. CRAMER.—Grundziige zur Systematik der Milben. <Wiegm. Ar- 
chiv fiir Naturgesch., 1877, pp. 215-248. 


ANDREW MurRAyY.—Economic Entomology. Aptera. South Ken- 
sington Museum Science Handbooks, London and New York, 1877. 


PIERRE MEGNIN.—Mémoire sur les Cheylétides Parasites. <Journ. 
d’Anatomie et de Physiologie, 1878, p. 1 ff. 


P. MEGNIN.—Les Parasites et les maladies parasitis chez ’homme, les 
animaux domestiques et les animaux sauvages avec lesquels ils peu- 
vent étre en contact. Insectes, Arachnides, Crustacés. Paris, 1880. 


G. HALLER.—-Die Milben als Parasiten der Wirbellosen, in’s Besondere 
der Arthropoden. Halle a. S., 1880. 


ANTONIO BERLESE.—Acari, Miriopodi e Scorpioni Italiani. Padova, 
1882 and subsequent years (not yet completed). 


H. GARMAN.—The Phytopti and other injurious plant mites. <Twelfth 
Rep. of the State Entom. on the Nox. and Benef. Insects of the State 
of Ills., 1883, pp. 123-143. 

Besides the two papers just cited the American literature on the Mites fur- 
nishes only descriptions or observations concerning single species, or pa- 
pers of a more popular character, which I cannot enumerate here; and the 
student is referred to the following European works, which have more 
or less contributed toward our knowledge of the classification of the 
Acarina. . 


L. KARPELLES.—Beitriige zur Naturgeschichte der Milben. < Berlin. 
entom. Zeitsch., Vol. XXVIII, 1884, pp. 1-34. 


ANTONIO BERLESE.—Acarorum Systematis Specimen. <Bull. Soe. 
Ent. Ital., Vol. X VII, 1885, p. 121 ff. 


HERBERT OSBORN.—Preliminary List of the species of Acarina of 
North America. <Canad. Entom., Vol. XVIII, 1886, pp. 4-12. 


LIST OF THE MORE IMPORTANT PERIODICALS CITED IN THIS 
BULLETIN. 


AMERICAN PERIODICALS. 


THE AMERICAN NATURALIST. A monthly journal devoted to the 
natural sciences in their widest sense (20 volumes published up 
to 1887.) (Now published by Leonard Scott Publication Co., Phila- 
delphia.) 

ANNALS OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW YORK (8 
volumes, 1824-67). 

BULLETIN OF THE BROOKLYN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY (7 volumes, 
1878-85). 


68 


BULLETIN OF THE BUFFALO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY (4 vol- 
umes completed, beginning witu 1874; the fifth in course of publi- 
cation). 


THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST (edited by William Saunders and lately 
by J. S. Bethune; 19 volumes published up to the end of 1887. 
Published at London, Ont.) 


ENTOMOLOGICA AMERICANA. Published by the Brooklyn Entomolo- 
gical Society at Brooklyn, N. Y. (2 volumes completed since 1885; 
the third in course of publication). 


JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADEL- 
PHIA (commencing with 1817). 


MEMOIRS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY (commenc- 
ing with 1866). 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHIL- 
ADELPHIA (beginning with 1841). 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF PHIL- 
ADELPHIA (beginning with 1860). 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOSTON SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY (com- 
mencing with 1841). 


PROCEE DINGS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA 
(6 volumes, 186167). 


PAPILIO. Devoted exclusively to Lepidoptera. Organ of the New 
York Entomological Club (4 volumes, 188184). 


PsycHE.—Organ of the Cambridge Entomological Club (4 volumes 
issued up to date. Published at Cambridge, Mass). 


TRANSACTIONS OF THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF SAINT LOUIS (4 vol- 
umes hitherto published). 


TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY and pro- 
ceedings of the Entomological Section of the Academy of Natural 
Sciences (beginning with 1868; 14 volumes published up to 1887. 
Published at Philadelphia.) 


TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF PHIL- 
ADELPHIA (2nd series beginning with 1818). 


SMITHSONIAN MISUELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS (Smithsonian Institution, 
Washington, D. C.; beginning 1862). 


BULLETINS OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL Museum (Departinent 
of the Interior; beginning with 1875). 


ise 


69 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM (Depart- 
ment of the Interior ; beginning with 1878). 


BULLETINS OF THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPH- 
ICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES, F. V. Hayden in charge 
(Department of the Interior; beginning with 1875). 


REPORTS OF THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL 
SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES (Department of the Interior; be- 
ginning with 1867). 


FOREIGN PERIODICALS. 


ANNALES DE LA SOCIETE ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE BELGIQUE (beginning 
with 1860. Published at Bruxelles). 


ANNALES DE LA SOCIETE ENTOMOLOGIQUE DE FRANCE (commencing 
with 1832. Published at Paris). 


BERLINER ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITSCHRIFT (commencing with 1857). 


DEUTSCHE ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITSCHRIFT. Herausgegeben von Dr. 
G. Kraatz. Berlin (beginning with 1881). 


ENTOMOLOGISCHE ZEITUNG. Herausgegeben von dem entomologischen 
Verein zu Stettin (beginning with 1840). 


LINN ZA ENTOMOLOGICA. Herausgegeben vom entomologischen Verein 
zu Stettin (16 volumes. Berlin, 184666.) 


OFVERSIGT AF KonGL. SVENSKA VETENSKAPS ACADEMIENS FORHAND- 
LINGAR (beginning with 1844. Published at Stockholm). 


Proceedings of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. 


SITZUNGSBERICHTE DER MATHEMATISCH-NATUR WISSENSCHAFTLICH- 
EN CLASSE DER KAISERLICHEN ACADEMIE DER WISSENSCHAF- 
TEN ZU WIEN (beginning with 1848). 


TRANSACTIONS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON (beginning with 
1791). 

TRANSACTIONS OF THE LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL SocrETy (begin- 
ning with 1836). 

VERHANDLUNGEN DER ZOOLOGISCH-BOTANISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT IN 
WIEN (beginning with 1852). 

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR DIE ENTOMOLOGIE. Herausgegeben von E. F. Ger- 
mar (d volumes. Leipzig, 183944), 


MITTHEILUNGEN DER SCHWEIZERISCHEN ENTOMOLOGISCHEN GESELL- 
SCHAFT. Bulletin de la Société entomologique suisse (7 volumes 
published up to 1887. Published at Geneva). 


70 


ANNALS AND MAGAZINE OF NATURAL History. London (beginning 
with 1838). 


REVUE ET MAGASIN DE ZOOLOGIE PURE ET APPLIQUEE. Paris (be- 
ginning with 1839). 


ZEITSCHRIFT FUR WISSENSCHAFTLICHE ZOOLOGIE. Leipzig (begin- 
ning with 1848). 


ARCHIV FUR NATURGESCHICHTE. Berlin (beginning with 1835). 


LIST OF WORKS ON ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY. 


1. HARRIS, T, W., Insects Injurious to Vegetation. (Flint edition.) 
New York, Orange Judd Co. $4 or $6. (First edition, Cam- 
bridge, 1841.) 


2. FITcH, ASA, Reports of the State Entomologist of New York. I- 
XIV, Albany, 1855-70. (For a full account of these, see First 
Annual Report, by J. A. Lintner, State Entomologist of New 
York, pp. 294-297.) 


3. The Practical Entomologist. Vols. land II. Published by the Ento- 
mological Society of Philadelphia, 1865-67. 

4, The American Entomologist, edited by B. D. Walsh and C. V. 
Riley. Vol. I. Saint Louis, Mo., 1868. (Out of print.) 


5. The American Entomologist and Botanist, edited by C. V. Riley 
and Dr. George Vasey. Vol. II. Saint Louis, Mo., 1870. 


6. The American Entomologist, edited by C. V. Riley. Vol. IIL, 
[Second series. Vol. I.] New York, Hub Publishing Co., 1880. 


7. WALSH, b. D., Annual Report on the Noxious Insects of the State 
of Illinois. Chicago, Prairie Farmer Co. Steam Print, 1868. 

8. RILEY, C. V., Reports of the State Entomologist of Missouri. I- 
IX, Jefferson City, 1869-77. 

9. LE BARON, WILLIAM, Reports of the State Entomologist of IIli- 
nois. I-IV, Springfield, 1871~74. 


10. THomAS, Cyrus, Reports of the State Entomologist of Illinois. I- 
VI, Springfield, 187681. 

11. LinrnER, J. A., Reports of the State Entomologist of New York. 
I-III, Albany, 188286. 


12. FORBES, 8. A., Reports of the State Entomologist of Illinois. I- 
III, Springfield, 188385. 


71 


13. Forses, 8S. A., Miscellaneous Essays on Economic Entomology. 
(Published instead of Annual Report. Springfield, Ill., 1886.) 


14. TREAT, MARy, Injurious Insects of the Farm and Garden. New 
York, Orange Judd Co., 1882. (A small work compiled from 
Riley’s reports, and costing $2.) 


15. SAUNDERS, WILLIAM, Insects Injurious to Fruits. Philadelphia, 
J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1883. $3. 


16. CooKE, MATTHEW, Injurious Insects of the Orchard, Vineyard, ete. 
Sacramento, 1883. (8vo, pp. 472.) 


17. VAN BENEDEN, P. J., Animal Parasites and Messmates. New York, 
D. Appleton & Co., 1876. $1.50. International Scientific Se- 
ries. 


18. Reports of the Entomologists of the U. S. Department of Agricult- 
ure, T. Glover (1863-1878), J. H. Comstock (1879-1880), and C. 
V. Riley (1878-1879, 1880 to date). 


19. Bulletins of the Division of Entomology of the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, C. V. Riley, Entomologist (1883 to date). 


20. Reports and Bulletins of the U. S. Entomological Commission. 
21. CuRTIS, JOHN, Farm Insects. London, Blackie & Son, 1860. 


22. ORMEROD, ELEANOR A., Manual of Injurious Insects, and Methods 
of Prevention, ete. London and Edinburgh, 1581. (A small 
work, costing about $1.50.) 


25. KALTENBACH, J. H., Die Pflanzenfeinde aus der Classe dev Insek- 
ten. Svo. Stuttgart, 1874. (A useful work for determining 
what insects infest plants in Europe.) 


LIST OF ENTOMOLOGICAL WORKS PUBLISHED BY THE U.S. ENTO- 
MOLOGICAL COMMISSION AND BY THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF 
AGRICULTURE. 


U. S. ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION. 
(Members of the Commission: C. V. Riley, A. S. Packard, jr., and Cyrus Thomas. ) 


Bulletin No. 1.—Destruction of the young or unfledged Locusts (Calop- 
tenus spretus). (1877.) [pp. 15.] 


Bulletin No. 2.—On the Natural History of the Rocky Mountain Locust 
and on the habits of the young or unfledged Insects as they occur 
in the more fertile country in which they will hatch the present 
year. (1877.) [pp. 14, figs. 10.] 


72 


Bulletin No. 3.—The Cotton Worm. Summary of its Natural History, 
with an Account of its Enemies, and the best Means of controlling 
it; being a Report of Progress of the Work of the Commission. By . 
Chas. V. Riley, M. A., Ph. D. (1880.) [pp. 144, figs. 84, plates I.] 


Bulletin No. 4.—The Hessian Fly. Its Ravages, Habits, Enemies, and 
Means of preventing its Increase. By A. 8S. Packard, jr., M. D. 
(1880.) [pp. 43, figs. 1, plates IL, maps I.] 


Bulletin No. 5.—The Chinech Bug. Its History, Characters, and Habits, 
and the Means of destroying it or counteracting its Injuries. By 
Cyrus Thomas, Ph. D. (1879.) [pp. 44, figs. 10, maps I.] 


Bulletin No. 6.—General Index and Supplement to the nine Reports on 
the Insects of Missouri. By Charles V. Riley, M. A., Ph. D. (1881.) 
[pp. 177. ] 


Bulletin No. 7.—Insects injurious to Forest and Shade Trees. By A.S. 
Packard, jr. M. D. (1881.) [pp. 275, figs. 100.] 


First Annual Report for the year 1877, relating to the Rocky Mountain 
Locust and the best Methods of preventing its Injuries and of guard- 
ing against its Invasions, in pursuance of an Appropriation made 
by Congress for this purpose. With maps and illustrations. (1878.) 
[pp. 4774294, figs, 111, plates V, maps I.] 

Second Report for the years 1878 and 1879, relating to the Rocky Moun- 
tain Locust and the Western Cricket, and treating of the best 
Means of subduing the Locust in its permanent Breeding-grounds, 
with a view of preventing its Migrations into the more fertile 
Portions of the trans-Mississippi country, in pursuance of Appro- 
priations made by Congress for this purpose. With Maps and I1- 
lustrations. (1880.) [pp. XVIII4+322+422, figs. 10, plates XVII, 
maps 7. | 


Third Report relating to the Rocky Mountain Locust, the Western 
Cricket, the Army Worm, Canker Worms, and the Hessian Fly; 
together with Descriptions of Larve of injurious Forest Insects, 
Studies on the embryological Development of the Locust and of 
other Insects, and on the systematic Position of the Orthoptera in 
Relation to other Orders of insects. With Maps and Illustrations. 
(1883.) [pp. XviI+347+4 91, figs. 14, plates LXIV, maps 3]. 

Fourth Report, being a revised Edition of Bulletin No. 3, and the Final 
Report on the Cotton Worm and Boll Worm. By Charles V. Riley, 
Ph. D. (1885.) [pp. xxxv1I+399+147, figs. 45, plates LXIV, 
maps 2. } 

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


The annual reports of the Entomologist are contained in the corre- 
sponding annual reports of the Department of Agriculture. A limited 
author’s edition, separately bound, and with table of contents and 
index is published each year. 


73 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 1.—Reports of Experiments, chiefly 
with Kerosene, upon the Insects injuriously affecting the Orange 
Tree and the Cotton Plant, made under the Direction of the Ento- 
mologist. (1883.) [pp. 62.] 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 2.—Reports of Observations on 
the Rocky Mountain Locust and Chinch Bug, together with Ex- 
tracts from the Correspondence of the Division on Miscellaneous 
Insects. (1883.) [pp. 36.] 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 3.—Reports of Observations and 
Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the 
Direction of the Entomologist. With plates. (1883.) [pp. 75, plates 
III. | 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 4.—Reports of Observations and 
Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the 
Direction of the Entomologist, together with Extracts from Cor- 
respondence on miscellaneous Insects. (1884.) [pp. 102, figs. 4.] 


Bureau of Entomology, Bulletin No. 5.—Descriptions of North American 
Chalcidid from the Collections of the U. 8S. Department of Ag- 
riculture and of Dr. C. V. Riley, with biological Notes. [First 
paper.| Together with a List of the described North American Spe- 
cies of the Family. By L. O. Howard, M. Sc., Assistant, Bureau 
of Entomology. (1885.) [pp. 47.] 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 6.—The imported Elm-leaf Beetle. 
Its Habits and Natural History, and Means of counteracting its In- 
juries. (1885). [pp. 18, figs. 1, plates I.] 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 8.—The Periodical Cicada. An 
Account of Cicada septendecim and its tredicim Race, with a Chro- 
nology of all of the broods known. By Charles V. Riley, Ph. D. 
(1885.) [pp. 46, figs. 8.] 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 9.—The Mulberry Silk-worm; be- 
ing a Manual of Instructions in Silk-culture. By Charles V. Riley, 
M. A., Ph. D. (1886.) [pp. 65, figs. 29, plates IT.] 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 10.—Our Shade Trees and their In- 
sect Defoliators. Being a Consideration of the four most injurious 
Species which affect the Trees of the Capital ; with Means of destroy- 
ing them. By Charles V. Riley, Entomologist. (1887.) [pp. 75, 
figs. 27.] 

Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 11.—Reports of Experiments with 
various Insecticide Substances, chiefly upon Insects affecting garden 
Crops, made under the Direction of the Entomologist. (1886.) 
[pp. 34. ] 


74 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 12.—Miscellaneous Notes on the 
work of the Division of Entomology for the Season of 1885; pre- 
pared by the Entomologist. (1886.) [pp. 45, plates I.] 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 13.—Reports of Observations and . 
Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the 
Direction of the Entomologist. (With illustrations.) (1887.) [pp. 
78, figs. 4.] 

Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 14.—Reports of Observations and 
Experiments in the practical Work of the Division, made under the 
Direction of the Entomologist. (1887.) [pp. 62, figs. 2, plates I.] 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 15.—The Icerya, or Fluted Scale, 
otherwise known as the Cottony Cushion-scale. (Reprint of some 
recent Articles by the Entomologist and of a Report from the Agri- 
cultural Experiment Station, University of California.) (1887.) © 
[pp. 40. | 

Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 16,—The Entomological Writings of 
Dr. Alpheus Spring Packard. BySamuel Henshaw. (1887.) [pp.49.] 


Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 17.—The Chinch Bug: A general 
Summary of its History, Habits, Enemies, and of the Remedies and 
Preventives to be used against it. By L. O. Howard, M.S., Assist- 
tant Entomologist. (1888.) [pp. 48, figs. 10.] 


Report on Cotton Insects. By J. Henry Comstock. (1879.) [pp. 511, 
figs. 77, plates IT1.] 

Special Report, No. 11.—The Silkworm; being a brief Manual of Instrue- 
tions for the Production of Silk. Prepared, by Direction of the 
Commissioner of Agriculture, by C. V. Riley, M. A., Ph. D., Ento- 
mologist. (First ed., 1879; fifth ed., 1885.) [p. 37, figs. 8.] 


Special Report, No. 35.—Report on Insects injurious to Sugar Cane. 
Prepared, under Direction of the Commissioner of Agriculture, by 
J. Henry Comstock, Entomologist. (1881.) [pp. 11, figs. 3.] 


Division of Entomology. Insects Affecting the Orange.—Report on the In- 
sects affecting the Culture of the Orange and other Plants of the 
Citrus Family, with practical Suggestions for their Control or Exter- 
mination. By H.G. Hubbard. (1885.) [pp. x+227, figs. 95, plates 
XIV.] 

Nore.—During the years 1864 to 1876, inclusive, the Department of 
Agriculture published regularly monthly reports, mainly statistical in 
their character (replaced since 1876 by the series of monthly ‘Crop Re- 
ports”), but which contained many short articles by the Entomologist, 
Townend Glover. None of these articles would come within the scope 
of the present bulletin, and the insects treated of may be ascertained 
by reference to the “General Index of the Agricultural Reports of the 
Patent Office and of the Department of Agriculture, from 1837 to 1876.” 
Washington, 1879. 


15 


HOW TO OBTAIN ENTOMOLOGICAL BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS. 


Comparatively few of the works treating of the classification of North 
American insects have been published as separate books; but such as 
have been so published, if of comparatively recent date, can be obtained 
through the regular book trade. By far the greater number of the 
monographs and synopses mentioned in the preceding pages have 
been published in scientific periodicals and transactions of scientific 
societies. Thse periodicals and transactions can be obtained through 
the societies which publish them and through the publishers; but, 
in the case of transactions, single volumes, and more especially single 
papers, are seldom sold, and the older volumes are liable to be out 
of print. Moreover the expense attending the purchase of all of the 
periodicals containing the publications on a given order of insects will 
be so great as to put them beyond the reach of most entomologists. 
The custom of placing at the disposal of authors a number of separate 
copies of their papers overcomes this difficulty to some extent and cre- 
ates a small supply. Thus it often happens that a person interested 
ean obtain a copy of a scientific paper by addressing the author person- 
ally. Many of these separate copies also get into the possession of 
dealers in second-hand books, and can be purchased from them. The 
American Entomological Society of Philadelphia and also a few other 
societies here and in Europe offer for sale from their duplicates many 
of these authors’ extras, and in some cases publish lists. There are, 
moreover, certain business establishments which make a specialty of 
the sale of works and pamphlets on Natural History, including Ento- © 
mology, and it is chiefly through such establishments that the student 
is enabled to secure the larger portion of the works needed. In Amer- 
ica there is at present but one of these special dealers of any promi- 
nence, viz, Dr. A. E. Foote, of 1223 Belmont avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 
But in Europe there are several of considerable reputation; among these 
we may mention: : 


R. Friedlaender & Sohn, Carlstrasse, 11, Berlin, Germany. 

Ed. André, 21 Boulevard Bretonniere, Beaune (Céte-d’Or), France. 
'H. W. Schmidt, Rannische Strasse, Nr. 1, Halle a. S, Germany. 
J.B. Bailliére et fils, 19, Rue Hautefeuille, Paris, France. 

Oswald Weigel, Kénigsstrasse, 1, Leipzig, Germany. 

U. Hoepli, Corso Vitt. Eman., 37, Milan, Italy. 

Otto Harrassowitz, Querstrasse, 14, Leipzig, Germany. 

William Wesley & Son, 28 Essex street, Strand, London, England. 


All of these firms publish catalogues, and in writing to them the ento- 
mological catalogue should be especially asked for. There are two firms 
in New York which act as agents for all of these houses, and works can 
be ordered through them or catalogues obtained from them. These are 


76 


B. Westermann & Co., 838 Broadway, New York, and Gustav E. Stech- 
ert, 766 Broadway, New York. 

By subscribing to the entomological periodicals published in this 
country (a matter of but slight expense) the student may keep abreast 
of the current literature. Short book reviews or notes published in 
onr periodicals call attention to the more important publications in 
other countries. Moreover, the Zodlogischer Anzeiger, edited by Prof. 
J. Victor Carus, in Leipzig, Germany, and published every fortnight, 
gives a tolerably complete bibliography of the current entomological 
literature at intervals of about six or eight weeks. The “ Nature 
Novitates,’”’ published every fortnight by R. Friedlaender & Sohn, Carl- 
strasse, 11, Berlin, Germany, gives the titles of most recent works and 
pamphlets. 

There are also three great annual publications, viz: ** Die Fortschritte 
auf dem Gebiet der Entomologie,” published in Wiegmann’s “ Archiv 
fiir Naturgeschichte”; ‘“‘The Zodlogical Record,” published by the 
Zoological Record Society, in London, England ; and the * Zodlogische 
Jahresberichte,” published by the Zodlogical Station at Naples, Italy, 
which give the full literature of the previous year, discussing the more 
important papers and giving a list of the new species, besides other. 
information. One or the other of these three publications is almost 
indispensable to the student in any branch of Zodlogy, and ought to 
be found in every public library in the country. Unfortunately, only 
a year ago the editors of the ‘ Zodlogische Jahresberichte” found it nec- 
essary, in order to reduce expenses, to curtail the scope of the work; 
so that, beginning with the year 1887, this publication no longer con- 
tains titles upon systematic and classificatory Zodlogy. Only biological 
titles are now published, but the series up to 1887 is the most complete 
thing of its kind. . 

A not inconsiderable portion of the North American literature on the 
classification of insects has been published by the General Government 
through various channels, and foremost among them are the Smith- 
sonian Institution, the U. S. Department of :Agriculture, the U. 8S. Na- 
tional Museum, the U.S. Geological and Geographical Survey, and the 
reports of the various surveys of the Territories. Many of these pub- 
lications are distributed free of cost to any one applying for them; while 
others, like certain ot the Smithsonian publications, are sold at a mod- 
erate price to cover tke cost of publication. Many of them are out of 
print, and can only be obtained through natural history book-dealers. 
The firms mentioned above will have many of them, and Lowdermilk & 
Co., of Washington, D. C., who make a specialty of Government pub- 
lications, are always able to furnish many more. 

Of the more general works, some of them can be obtained direct from 
the publishers, and in such cases the publishers are mentioned in the 
general list. The older ones are mostly out of print and can only be 
obtained from second-hand dealers. The current State reports of Lint- 


tt 


ner and Forbes cau be obtained from the secretaries of the respective 
State Agricultural Societies at Albany, N. Y., and Springfield, IIL, 
while the reports of the Entomologists of the newly esiablished State 
Experiment Stations, of which a large number will soon be published, 
can be obtained from the directors of the respective Stations. The 
older reports of the State Entomologist of Missouri and the State Ento- 
mologists of Illinois (Walsh, Le Baron, and Thomas) are all out of print 
and can only be obtained by purchase from second-hand dealers. The 
same may be said of the well-known and often quoted reports of Dr. 
Fitch, which were published with the old volumes of the Transactions 
of the New York State Agricultural Society. 


° 


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 20. 


THE 


ROOT-KNOT DISEASE. 


OF THE 


PEACH, ORANGE, AnD OTHER PLANTS 


IN 


FLOR EDA, 


DUE TO THE WORK OF ANGUILLULA. 


PREPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST, 


BY 


J. C. NEAL, Pu. D., M. D.- 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING.OFFICE. 


1889. 


J. M. RUSK, 


Sa aadiuy G Y Gy Aptirallute. 


«ewe by 
ys 
Hite ie) 
pe ¥ 
| C211 ee 


tas EP ART MENT-OF AGRICULTURE 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 20. 


TELE 


RKOOT-KNOT DISEASE 


PEACH, ORANGE anp OTHER PLANTS - 


FLORIDA, 


DU TOs LE WOKK OF ANGUILLULA: 


PREPARED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST, 
LY 


J. @ NBAL, Pu, D., M.-D: 


é Welt Sere leN GalOuN: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 
T3:6.g): 


23495—Bull. 20 1 


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 


U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Washington, May 10, 1889. 
Str: I have the honor to transmit for publication Bulletin No. 20 of 
this Division, being a report of studies and experiments made upon the 
Anguillula, which is the cause of the root-knot disease of the Peach and 
Orange in Florida, by J.C. Neal, Ph. D., M. D., of Lake City, Fla. 
Respectfully, 
CV. RILEY, 
Entomologist. 
Hon. J. M. Rusk, 
Sceretary of Agriculture. 


INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 


For several years past complaint has been made to the Division of En- 
tomology concerning the damage done by various species of Anguillu- 
lide, which affect the roots of different plants in different sections of 
the country, and I have frequently been urged, as Entomologist, to in- 
vestigate the matter. I have always been puzzled to know what reply 
to make in such cases, as no American investigator has undertaken a 
a systematic study of these Nematodes, and they do not, in a zodlogical 
sense, strictly belong to the Division work. I have contented myself 

‘therefore with recording the various facts of injury to different plants 
that have come to me in the past twenty years, and some microscopic 
notes in reference to the specimens. One species seems to do consid- 
erable damage to certain plants in greenhouses in the North, while 
another is equally destructive to the roots of trees and plants in the 
South, particularly in Florida. Towards the close of the year 1887 the 
complaints of the damage done by the Florida root-inhabiting species 
were so numerous that, at the request of the Commissioner of Agricul- 
ture, I decided to conduct some investigations as a part of the Division 
work. The demands upon the resources of the Division arising from 
its more legitimate investigations have been such that but little time 
and small funds could be spent in this direction. Dr. J. C. Neal, then 
of Archer, Fla., but now Entomologist and Botanist of the Florida Ag- 
ricultural Experiment Station at Lake City, a diligent observer, and 
associated with me in previous investigations both under the U.S. En- 
tomological Commission and under this Division, was commissioned for 
five months and instructed to make as careful studies and experiments 
concerning this pest as it would be possible to make during the short 
time of his employment. His work was done between February 1 and 
September 1, 1888, and while I do not claim for Dr. Neal, any more 
than he would himself claim, special or technical knowledge in this 
branch of Zodlogy, his work is not without scientific interest. The in- 
vestigations have been, however, from a practical stand-point, and the 
results more than justify the slight expenditure. The Bulletin makes 
no pretense to be a scientific treatise on the life history of these worms, 
but isin the main an effort to ascertain a suitableremedy. The general 
literature on the subject has not been at Dr. Neal’s command, and my 


5 


6 


time is so fully oceupied otherwise that I can do little or nothing at 
present in the way of identification of species or of comparing Dr. Neal’s 
results with those of European investigators, which, as a matter of fact, 
are of little practical importance. The study of the full life history of 
any one of the species is attended with much difficulty, and will re- 
quire much time in field and laboratory ; while the technical and clas- 
sificatory treatment of the subject should be undertaken by some com- 
petent helminthologist. 


O:-Ve: 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


ARCHER, FLA., December 2, 1888. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report upon the root- 
knot disease and its cause, the Anguillula. . 

These investigations, conducted under your direction, began in Feb- 
ruary, 1858, and have been continued to this date. 

While not conclusive in all respects, they are at least contributions 
to the history of this microscopic pest, that may eventually lead to its 
subjection or to the mitigation of its ravages. 

In conclusion, allow ne to express to you my thanks for your aid and 
guidance during the preparation of the report. 


Respectfully submitted. 
J. CO. NEAL, M, Ds, 


Speewl Agent. 
Prot. .©., Vo. Rinby, 
Entomologisé. 


~~) 


THE ROOT-KNOT. 


DEFINITION. 


An abnormal and irregular growth of the subcortical layer of roots 
and subterranean stems, characterized by low vitality, the result of 
an invasion of the tissues by a Nematode worm. (Note 1.) 


HISTORY. 


Since the earliest settlement of the South Atlantic and Gulf States 
by white people this diseased condition of the roots of trees and plants 
has been recognized. (Note 2.) 

A very slight inspection has shown the decaying enlargements of 
roots, but the cause has usually been attributed to a lack in the soil of 
some important fertilizing ingredient, or careless cultivation, rather than 
some potent exterior influence. . 

I have carefully examined all sources of information at my command, 
and can find no mention of the root-knot in any agricultural paper or 
book prior to the year 1857. 

That year Hon. P. J. Berckmans established a nursery at Augusta, 
Ga., and soon found this disease prevalent in many varieties of trees 
and plants, and in 1881 Prof. C. V. Riley being at Augusta was shown 
the effect of the disease by Mr. Berckmans. 

In 1869 Mr. Gilbert Cnderdonk, of Nursery, Tex., noted the disease 
in his fig, grape, and peach stocks, especially in damp, undrained loca- 
tions. 

In 1876 I found the root-knot prevalent over Florida, and learned from 
old residents that as far back as 1805 it had been known, and from time 
immemorial had been dreaded as a foe to gardens and groves. 

About 1874 this disease, however, sprang into prominence, owing to 
the influx ofimmigrants, the development of early-market gardens and 
the sudden rage for orchards of peaches, figs, and oranges. 

Since that time the agricultural papers have contained numerous ref- 
erences to this disease. My own attention was called to this pest by 
repeated failures to grow certain plants in a rich, damp spot on my 
farm. 

This led me to investigate; and sending a specimen of the knotty 
roots to the Agricultural Department at Washington, elicited the infor- 
mation that a microscopic worm was the cause of the trouble, but that 
little was known of the Nematoid family to which it belonged. 


10 


seyond doubt, the disease is peculiar to the South Atlantic and Gulf 
coast within a limit of 150 miles from tide-water. (Note 3.) 

Mr. P. J. Berekmans remarks on this score—and I know no better au- 
thority— that it is indigenous to a large portion of the South seems un- 
deuiable, as I have seen it in places in Georgia and Alabama where 
neither trees nor plants had ever been introduced from other sections.” 

Mr. Onderdonk also states a similar opinion. Other correspondents 
at Mobile, Ala, and in Texas confirm these statements. 


PLANTS INVADED. 


I.—Uncultivated : b. Badly affected : 
a. Slightly affected : Portulaca oleracea ( Purslane). 
Capsella bursa-pastoris (Shep- Sesuvium pentandrum (Sand 
herd’s Purse). Purslane). 
Rubus villosus et trivialis Verbesina siegesbeckia et sinu- 
(Blackberry and Dewberry). | ata. 
Eupatorium feeniculaceum (South- | Artemisia caudata (Wormwood). 
ern Dog Fennel). Chenopodium botrys (Jerusalem 
Quamoelit vulgaris (Cypress Oak). 
Vine). Amarantus  spinosus (Careless 
Weed). 


The above list, no doubt, will in time, and with a careful investiga: 
tion, be greatly extended; most of these are the commonest of weeds in 
old fields and badly cultivated grounds, and the Chenopodium alone 
would be an ample shelter and breeding- place for the Anguillula, inde- 
pendent of other wild or cultivated plants. 

The Eupatorium and Chenopodium are perennials, spread rapidly, 
and have great vitality, and for years it has been noted that where these 
weeds abound the root-knot exists in the greatest degree. 

The Sesuvium and Portulaca, both with fleshy roots, are very com- 
mon, and are an easy prey to the worms, but my experience indicates 
the Amarantus spinosus as the most dreaded and destructive agent 
in the spread of the root-knot, its roots being apparently the favorite 
of the Anguillula. 

In Georgia, my correspondents deem the Verbesina and Artemisia 
the weeds most diseased, but in Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama, the 
list is about the same as I have given for Florida. (Note 4.) 

[t will be seen that it will be impossible to determine certainly the 
original food-plant of this pest, as it seems to attack the roots of so 
many; and the inference that any tender growth not impregnated with 
a decided toxie principle may be invaded is a doubtful conelusion to 
my mind. 


it 


II.— Cultivated. Ii.— Cultivated —Continued. 
ce. Useful. b. Badly attected. 
a. Slightly affected. Koniga maritima. 


b. Badly affected. 


d. Ornamental. 
a. Slightly affected. 


Gossypium herbaceum et barba- 
dense (Cotton). 

Solanum tuberosum et esculen- 
tum (Potato and Egg-plant). 

Capsicum annunm (Pepper). 

Spinacia oleracea (Spinach). 

Jatropha manihot (Cassava). 

Zea mais (Corn). 


The Genus Brassica (Sinapis), 
(Cabbage, Kale, etc.). 

Raphanus sativus (Iadish). 

Hibiscus esculentus (Okra). 

Pisum sativum (Pea). 

Arachis hy pogzea (Pea-nut). 

Dolichos catiang (Cow Pea). 

Phaseolus vulgaris (Bean). 

Phaseolus lunatus et nanns 
( Bean). 

All of the Genus Cucurbita 
(Squashes, ete.). 

All of the Genus Citrullus (Mel- 
on). 

All of the Genus Cucumis (Cu- 
cumber). 

Lycopersicum esculentum (7o- 
mato). 

Beta vulgaris, varietics (Bect). 


Hibiseus syriacus et coccinneus. 

Mesembryanthemum, various spe- 
cies (Ice-plant). 

Mikania scandens (Parlor Ivy). 

Pharbitis purpurea et al. sp. 
(Morning Glory). 

Nolana, sp. 

Petunia, sp. (Petunia). 

Boussingaultia basselloides. 


Iberis umbellata. 

Lagenaria vulgaris (Gourd). 

Begonia, sp. (Begonia). 

Dahlia variabilis. 

Helianthus annuns (Sunflower). 

Coleus, var. sp. 

Achyranthes, var. sp. 

Amarantus var. sp. 

Shrubs and Trees. 
c. Useful. 
a. Slightly affected. 

Citrus vulgaris (Bitter sweet Or- 
ange). 

Citrus aurantium, var. sp. (Or- 
ange, Lemon, etc.). 

Vitis, var. sp. (Grape). 

Prunus myrobolanus ( Plum). 

Broussonettia papyrifera (Paper 
Mulberry). 

Morus, var. sp. (Mulberry). 

Juglans cinerea (Walnut). 

Carya oliveeformis (Pecan). 


b. Badly affected. 
Prunus domestica (Plum). 
Prunus armeniaca (Apricot). 
Prunus vulgaris (Peach). 
Prunus communis (Almond). 
Ficus carica (Fig). 
Juglans regia (Lnglish Walnut). 
Salix, var. sp. (Willows). 
d. Ornamental. 
Spirea sorbifolia,var. sp. (Spirea). 
Prunus nana et lanceolata ( low- 
ering Almond). 
Buddleia, var. sp. 
Gardenia florida (Cape Jessa- 
mine). 


This long list embraces the greater part of our most valuable food- 
plants, fruit-trees, and many of the choicest flowers, and it fully justi- 
fies the inquiry now made as to the history and means to prevent the 
spread of the disease induced by the Anguillula. 

I think it useless to endeavor to account for the apparent vagaries of 
the Anguillula, as, for instance, to ascertain why the roots of the Prunus 
vulgaris are so badly affected, while Prunus cerasus are unhurt; or why 
the Leguminose are susceptible and the Umbelliferme are not. It is 
reasonably sure that rapidly growing, soft tissued roots are better sub- 
jects for invasion, expansion, and decay than those of slow growth and 


12 


denser structure, and the self-evident corollary is that methods and fer- 
tilizers promoting a rapid suceulent growth should be avoided in all 
locations infected with the root-knot. 


EFFECTS OF THE INVASION OF THE ANGUILLULA. 


T have found mature worms, males and non-pregnant females, in root- 
lets but a few days old, and under circumstances which involved the 
necessity of invasion from without the root. See Experiment No. 22. 

These Anguillule were small enough to enter the “ stomata” of epi- 
dermal tissues, active and strong enough to even penetrate cell-walls, or 
to separate cells in loosely connected tissues. Once within, they could 
easily pass through the Cienchymatous system of the Parenchyma to 
any portion of the root, and I think it not unreasonable to infer that in 
this manner they obtain entrance in young rootlets. 

Their presence causes a rapid proliferation of cells, resulting in a soft, 
unnatural, irregular growth of the root, with low vitality, and a varied 
effect upon the plant or tree. ; 

The Chenopodium, Eupatorium, Artemisia, Amarantus, Gossypium, 
Solanum, and Petunia have the enlargements usually on the sides of 
the main stem, near the sarface. The “ tap-root,” descending deeply is 
rarely affected, and the plants seem slightly affected till the sub-corti- 
eal layer is filled with worms in all stages of growth. This checks 
growth, either by their absorption of the nutrition gathered by the root- 
lets, or obstruction of the Cienchymatous ducts, the food supply is cut 
off before decay is visible, the leaves wither, the stems shrivel, the plant 
dies. (Plate VIII, 1a, 4 b.) 

The roots of the Okra, Radish, Turnip, Cabbage, Cucumber, Melon, 
Cow-pea, Peanut, Tomato, and Egg Plant enlarge enormously, soon be- 
coming little else than masses of decaying tissues. The plant stops 
erowth, the fruit either becomes distorted or drops prematurely, the 
leaves change color and fall off, and the plants die so rapidly as to justify 
the usual expression “struck by lightning,” applied to the fields of 
Melons, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, and Cow-peas so often badly affected 
by the root-knot. (Plates I, II, III, 1V, and VIIL.) 

In nurseries of young fruit-trees the greatest mischief occurs. The 
soil is usually carefully prepared by heavy fertilizing and culture, and 
the seeds of the Peach, Orange, and English Walnut are sown for 
stocks. When the tender shoots first appear many wither and die at 
once, others grow vigorously till the end of the first season, when they 
are usually budded with known and valuable varieties of fruit. The 
next spring these buds put out tardily and make a weak growth, the 
leaves become spotted or yellow, then drop, the bud dies, feeble strag- 
eling shoots sprout around the stem, which maintain a sickly vitality 
till the first drought, when the tree dies, and an examination dis- 


closes the cause in the knotty, decaying roots, without rootlets or 
fibrill. 


13 


With older trees taken from healthy locations and set in infected soil 
the program varies. The Peach and Fig often grow vigorously one or 
two years, and bear fruit that is very prone to drop immaturely, then 
the tree takes on an irregular growth of stunted limbs and small leaves. 
The tips of these limbs die back gradually to the body of the tree. - If 
the soil is clayey the tree will put out feeble sprouts often for several 
years. 

With the Pecan, English Walnut, and Willow, older trees remain sta- 
tionary a year or so and die with the occasion of a severe drought. 

In many cases, especially in old fields, the seeds of trees and plants 
barely germinate, or cuttings hardly form rootlets till they are invaded 
and destroyed. 

In all of these cases the effect is to deprive the stems and leaves of 
food and moisture; the knots grow, the branches do not. 

The annual destruction of nursery stock is enormous, especially the 
Peach, Fig, Willow, Spirzea, Buddleia, Coleus, ete. 

- In the sketches taken from nature, attached to this report, are shown 
typical specimens as far as possible. 

The Grape, Fig, Mulberry, and Orange are prone to circular knob-like 
knots on the sides of the larger roots, and an occasional enlargement 
at the junction of small roots. (Plates IV and VIL.) 

~The Peach, Plum, Walnut, and Spirzea grow irregular masses, involv- 
ing the whole root seemingly. (Plate V.) 

The Willow, Okra, ete., enlarge, and the decay is usually visible first 
at the extreme tip of growth from the central stem. (Plates VI, I, and 
i.) 


TERRITORY OCCUPIED BY THIS DISEASE. 


Early in the beginning of my studies of the Anguillula, I addressed 
letters of inquiry to most of the leading nurserymen and horticulturists 
in the United States, especially those in the southern section, asking an 
examination of diseased trees, and inclosing samples of the root-knot 
for comparison. 

The replies I received are conclusive that the disease is unknown be- 
yond any point in the interior 150 miles from the coast. 

It does not exist except in locations free from extreme cold, and the 
northern boundary is not far from the January isotherm of 50°, as shown 
in the No. 2, Isothermal Lines of the U. S. Signal Service, 1851. 

Letters from the Peach districts of Michigan, Maryland, and New 
Jersey complain of the ‘ Yellows,” but investigators do not report find- 
ing the diseased roots indicative of the Anguillula. 

It is not found at Denison, Tex. (Munson), only along the coast in 
that State, and then only in sandy, wet locations. (Onderdonk.) 

The usual dry air of New Mexico, California, and regions west of the 
Mississippi River, with the summer parched soil of these sections, forms 
apparently a barrier to the growth and spread of the disease, but coming 


14 


eastward it is progressively worse, till it reaches a climax in Florida, 
which seems to possess the requisite soil, humidity, aud warmth for the 
proper environment of the Anguillula, and consequently its complete 
development for mischief in gardens and groves. 

Add to this the cultivation of special food plants extremely suscept- 
ible to invasion by the worm, and there can be no wonder at its prodig- 
ious increase. 

TEMPERATURE. 


The question of temperature is no doubt one of great importance in 
determining the boundaries of this disease, perhaps more so than food- 
plarts or soils. 

The soil that is annually frozen from 6 to 10 inches is nearly disin- 
fected from the worms, especially those existing in a free state in the 
soil, or inhabiting the soft roots of annual plants, and this may explain 
why southern Michigan, northeastern Ohio, and New Jersey, with as 
sandy a soil as Florida or south Georgia, still escape the plague in the 
Peach orchards. 

The Chenopodium, Artemisia, etc., abound in these States, and no 
doubt are the habitat of Anguillule, but the continued cold reduces 
their number to the minimum each year, and the fibrous-rooted trees 
are unharmed. 

Again, in some cold localities the trees kept in hot-houses are af- 
fected; those without in open ground escape. 

Places favored with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters will not 
likely ever suffer from the ravages of the root- knot. 

My experiments are conclusive that below 50° in fluid, and above 
that, dry, the worms are inactive, paralyzed by cold, and shriveled by 
dryness and heat, and the inference is plain that parties wishing best 
results must either choose unsusceptible stocks, for grafting or budding 
trees liable to infection by the Anguillula, remove to favored loca- 
tions, or find some means of destroying the worms. 

The arid regions of the West fill one indication, the others are still 
sub judice, but in a fair way for determination. 


SOILS. 


It can not be questioned but that a light, sandy soil offers least re- 
sistance to the progress of the Anguillula after its liberation from de- 
caying roots either encysted or free. 

Experiments with air-dry soil show that water penetrates sand in half 
the time that it will penetrate clay, and over large areas of cultivated 
land the proportion would still be greater in favor of the sand. 

Loose soils, mixed with decaying vegetation and humus, offer still 
better facilities for irrigation, and this explains the fact that locations 
highly fertilized with composts, stable manure, or leaf-mold show the 
root-knot quicker in plants than compact or virgin soils, and the worst 


15 


results are found in gardens planted in long cultivated, fully fertilized, 
and thoroughly pulverized areas. 

Moisture is an essential to the vigorous growth of the Anguillula, 
though it withstands an enormous amount of drying. 

The cysts shrivel, pregnant females become irregular in outline, ma- 
ture worms stiffen and remain indefinitely with suspended vitality, but 
resume action with the application of sufficient moisture. (Note 5.) 

A friable soil, with compact clay near the surface insuring needed 
dampness, presents then the typical environment for the Anguillula, 
and this, alas, also is regarded in this section as the most advantageous 
location for a garden or grove. 

Another very favorable location for these worms is the boggy bank 
of a lake or river, where there is a mass of wet, decaying vegetation. 


EXPERIMENTS. 


A series of experiments, under the direction of the Entomologist of 
the United States Agricultural Department, was begun in February, 
1888, to determine the migration and life history of the Anguillula, as 
well as to investigate the effect of various insecticides. That these are 
not complete and conclusive, is owing to the extreme difficulty of trac- 
ing any individual worm by reason of its size and its surroundings. 

A quantity of both ordinary sandy soil and clay was heated several 
hours to a temperature of 409° F. 

A number of 6-inch earthen pots were also subjected to the same 
heat. The earth and the pots were tested for living Anguillulee and 
found sterile. 

(1) Four sterile pots with 74, cubic foot of sterile soil in each pot. 
(2) Same as No.1, using sterile clay instead of surface soil. 

(3) As No.1, using yellow subsoil from infected locations. 

(4) As No. 3, using clay subsoil from infected locations. 

(5) As No.1, using infected surface soil from infected locations. 

In each pot were planted four seeds of the Cow-pea (Dolichos), selected 
because of its ease in germinating and great susceptibility to the An- 
guillula. 

All came up within the week and grew fairly well; at the end of each 
week one plant was removed and the roots examined. 

In Nos. Land 2 no knots were visible at any stage of growth and the 
last plant grew to maturity. 

In Nos. 3 and 4 the plants were but slightly affected, and at the end 
of the fourth week each remaining plant had made a fair growth, de- 
spite the terminal roots were becoming enlarged. 

In No. 5 half the plants died before the appearance of the third leaf, 
and the remainder made a sickly, feeble growth. The roots were badly 
knotted, decay in every case appearing at the terminal ends of the root- 
lets, which turned brown and dropped off at the slightest touch. 

I repeated this series of experiments, using small seedling peach trees 
in place of the cow-peas. The results were similar—the trees in Nos, 1 


16 


and 2 growing vigorously, with fully developed roots and leaves; in 
No. 3, at the end of four months the trees were living, but feebly, and 
the roots showed signs of decay. 

In No. 4 the trees had grown somewhat better and had a_ brighter 
color, but the roots were knotty. 

No. 5 showed poorly, leaves smaller, roots quite knotty, and one tree 
dead. 

The same results followed using the Weeping Willow as the test 
plant. 

The inferences are: That the Anguillula is destroyed by a heat of 
212°; that healthy trees set in infected soil soon are invaded by the 
free Angnillula in the soil; that soil taken from the depth of 2 or more 
feet below the surface is comparatively free from the worms, and that 
clay subsoil is less infected than the sand. 

Another series of experiments testing the effect of various chemicals, 
fertilizers, and insecticides was tried, using four sterilized pots in each 
test, the pots each containing 735 cubic foot of infected sandy soil, and 


oughly mixed or dissolved. In each pot was planted a seedling peach 
and four cow-peas. 


No. 6, Tobacco dust. 
7. Tobacco dust with 24 grains sulphate potash. 
8. Tobacco dust with 24 grains sulphide potash. 
9. Tobacco dust with 24 grains sulphite potash. 
10. Tobacco dust with 24 grains muriate potash. 
11. Tobacco dust with 24 grains hyposulphite soda, 
12. Tobacco dust with 24 grains sulphate iron. 
13. Tobacco dust with 24 grains caustic lime. 
14. Tobacco dust with 24 grains unleached ashes. 
15. Tobacco dust with 24 grains sulphur. 
16. Bisulphide carbon. 
17. Sulphate potash. 
18. Muriate potash. 
19. Unleached ashes. 
20. Caustic lime. 

These experiments were also repeated in the nursery and open field 
on small peach trees, using 602 grains to each tree, equivalent to zoo 
part by weight of the soil. (Note 6.) 

In the pots the results in Nos. 6, 7,10, 13, and 14 were very encour: 
aging; the peas grew to maturity, with good color and very few en- 
larged roots. Nos. 8, 9, 11, and 15 made a very poor growth, and died 
soon after the third leaf. No. 12 died immediately after sprouting, as 
did No. 16. Nos. 17, 18, and 19 grew nearly as well as Nos. 6 and7; 
No. 20 made a fine growth, with very few enlarged roots. The peach 
trees died soon in Nos. &, 9,11, 12, 15, and 16, made a fair growth in Nos. 
6, 7,10, 13, and 14, were killed at once in No. 16, and grew the best in 
Nos. 17, 18, 19, and 20. 

In the field Nos. 11, 16, and 8 appeared to at once kill the trees. Nos. 


Lar 


9Yand 15 had no effect visible. Nos. 6,7, 10, and 14 made a better 
growth than Nos. 17-20. Root-knot was present on all but Nos. 13, 
14, and 20. 

On still larger trees, applied at the rate of 27 pounds to the tree, Nos. 
6, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, and Z0 gave good results, especially 6 and 17, 6 and 
18,6 and 19. These mixtures seemed to promote a vigorous growth of 
healthy roots, and Nos. 6 and 20, each 27 pounds to the tree, well mixed 
with the surface soil, appears to be as near a preventive of the “ knot” 
as anything I have tried. 

Itried the bisulphide of carbon without any effect other than the death 
of the trees, some fifty or more, and the kerosene emulsion to saturation 
of the surface soil produced asimilar result, and in view of the expense 
and labor involved I did not repeat the experiment. (Note 7.) 

A number of the prepared artificial fertilizers were tried; those con- 
taining ammonia, guano, bone, and fish produced a rapid growth, soft 
and easily attacked by the Anguillule. 

In a field near my place, heavily fertilized with a bone and potash 
compound, the roots of the pea-nut became masses of knotty roots, the 
worst cases of the disease I ever saw, and peach-trees growing ib that 
field are ruined. 

I have found nothing of value when applied to old bearing fruit trees, 
if badly affected, as any insecticide capable of absorption by the roots 
invariably has killed the trees when used to the amount of ;35 the 
weight of the surface soil, 1 foot in depth and the area of the circle 
filled by the roots. Alkaline mixtures, 20 to 40 pounds to each tree, or 
caustic lime, kainite, muriate and sulphate potash or wood ashes, used 
several years in succession, have come nearest a cure, destroying no 
doubt many free worms, and inducing a vigorous, tough growth of roots, 
more difficult of penetration, and possibly rendering the sap in some 
way obnoxious. (Note 8.) 

The addition of tobacco dust in large quantities supplies nitrogen, 
and makes a very vigorous growth of roots and limbs. It also seems to 
have considerable preventive effect on the worms. Experiments con- 
ducted by one of our market gardeners has convinced him that the 
mixture of tobacco dust and muriate of potash in old fields in great 
measure prevents the ravages of the Anguillula in Okra, Cabbage, and 
Weg-plant, and he has adopted this as a standard fertilizer for all his 
products. I have seen his use of this, and am nearly prepared to sus- 
tain his views. Kainite is no doubt fully as good, but further experi- 
menting 1s necessary. 

Another series of experiments was made upon plants to determine 
the time and degree of infection. 

No. 21. Sterilized pots with ;3, cubic foot of sterile soil, in which four 
cow-peas were planted at various depths, one-half inch, three-fourths 
inch, and 1 inch, were covered 1 inch with infected earth and kept wa- 
tered. The results showed infection of the roots in about the same ra- 

23495—Bull. 20 


9 
od 


18 


tio as the distance from the surface. Reversing the process, putting the. 
infected soil below, showed the roots affected soonest in the peas planted 
deepest, indicating but little action in the worms outside of that pro- 
duced by the percolation of water. 

No. 22. Another series of pots were watered with muddy water from 
infected earth, and though the pots contained sterilized soil the roots — 
of the peas were badly affected. Microscopic investigation of the per- 
colate showed both free and encysted Anguillulie. (Note 9.) 

No. 23. Pots with sterile soil had one transplanted infected peach 
seedling in each, and four cow-peas. 

The trees soon died, and very shortly afterward the peas showed the 
infection, those nearest the dead peach roots the most markedly. 

In aspot of new and non-infected ground several trees, Peach and Fig, 
were planted. ‘The central tree was knotty-rooted and died in a few 
mouths; the next year the roots of the nearest trees, 15 feet away, became 
knotty nearest the dead tree, and now, after the lapse of four years, 
the disease extends to the tips of the roots of all the Fig and Peach trees 
in a circle 120 feet distant each way from the original infected tree. 

In another case, in a nursery on high pine land, clay subsoil and free 
from disease, a number of peach roots, badly knotted, were brought 
from a distance and heeled in for a week. The disease spread in all di- 
rections from this nucleus. 

Again, in another peach nursery was a spot of low, damp, black soil. 
There was no root-knot the first year it was planted in peaches; the 
seedlings grew well. The second year, a few trees were found in this 
spot with enlarged roots and destroyed. The third year, hardly a tree 
escaped, the disease extending along the thickly set rows of seedlings 
upward and in all directions on to the higher land from the hollow spot 
first infected. 

In another case, clean fibrous-rooted trees were heeled in a day or so 
and planted in non-infected ground. The next year proved the most of 
them diseased. 

These cases prove conclusively that in areas not infected the disease 
can be easily introduced (1) by planting infected trees; (2) by the use 
of composts of muck and weeds from infected soils; (3) by the distribu- 
tive action of water and air, the water carrying particles of soil and 
worms downward from an infected elevation, or by dry soil, frag- 
ments of dry roots, desiccated free or encysted worms carried in the air 
during sand-storms, whirlwinds, or the heavy currents of air preceding 
storms that often blow ‘“ bare” acres of plowed land and overwhelm ad- 
jacent fields with the soil thus borne on the wind; (4) soil containing 
these worms I have no doubt has been carried on the feet of men and 
animals and deposited in healthy fields, forming the nucleus of a de- 
structive agency, months afterward made visible by its effects. 

Instances are not wanting that can not be explained except by some 
such theory of contagion and manner of travel, 


de) 


REMEDIES. 


1. DRAINAGE. 


Many gardens and orchards are badly located on soils partly satu- 
rated with water, either at the margins of rivers or lakes or on rich de- 
posits of vegetable remains both low and damp. 

The reasons for this choice are generally the superior quality of the 
jand and the rapidity of growth induced by the moisture, but in the 
territory infected by the Anguillula the heat and rich soil cause precisely 
the looseness of tissue so favorable to the spread of the worms. 

A dry soil, with solid root-growth, is on the contrary unfavorable; 
hence in many locations drainage has entirely changed the character of 
the land, so that peaches and figs grow where they would not before. 

Experiments in Texas confirm this fully and suggest the utility of 
thorough drainage of wet locations, or, better yet, the avoidance of such 
places for groves and gardens. 

In this connection it may be remarked as one of the not expected 
results of the *‘ New Agriculture” in maintaining a permanently damp 
soil by means of water-pipes below the surface, that when it is in vogue 
we will have not only a great increase of crops but a greater increase 
of “ root-knot” in the cabbages, beets, radishes, ete., thus grown. What 
effect the ingestion of Anguillulz will have upon the human economy 
remains to be seen; as, So far as I know, no record occurs of experiments 
having been tried to ascertain. (Note 10.) 


2. FROST. 


In many places north of 29° there is cold enough each year to at 
times freeze the surface a considerable depth. Where this occurs, by 
plowing the soil at the beginning of winter and at times during that 
Season, it is reasonable to suppose great destruction of the free Anguil- 
lulze will ensue. 

3. FIRE. 


The value of heat in the destruction of the germs of the root-knot 
has been often demonstrated in Florida, usually unwittingly, and the 
lesson taught has been in a measure lost. 

In clearing old fields, badly infected with the worms, as shown by the 
crops of cotton or peas, it is customary to burn log-heaps and stumps; 
if, then, peaches and figs have been planted on this burned land the 
result has been freedom from root-knot for a series of years. 

Such trees make a vigorous growth and bear well, while adjacent 
trees, not on burned ground, wither and die. 

It would seem practicable in this wooded section to easily build small 
compact heaps of chips, wood, pine knots, even dry weeds and grass, 
over the area of say 2 feet radius from each tree-stake prior to plant: 


20 


ing, burn the heap to ashes, excavate the soil as far as heated, and re. 
new the fire till the subsoil is reached and the depth of at least a foot 
of soil in all is thoroughly sterilized by heat 

In many cases, where wood is plenty, dead standing timber to be 
removed, and stumps to be burned, the plan would succeed to stake 
out the field and build a log-heap at each stake; but if not convenient, 
the annual growth of weeds and grasses, well dried, will furnish fuel 
enough. 

4. STERILE Sorts. (Note 11.) 


Among the early settlers of Florida the practice prevailed, when 
planting trees, of digging out the soil te the depth of 2 or more feet 
and filling in around the tree with clay or yellow subsoil obtained from 
virgin land and 3 or more feet below the surface. This plan succeeded, 
in that it surrounded the tree with sterile soil till it formed firm roots 
and a hardened epidermis. 

My investigations show that in infected soils the deep roots are but 
slightly affected in comparison with those near the surface, and that 
the greatest destruction prevails in young trees, nursery stock, and 
plants having surface roots. 

If a tree acquires age and the roots reach deep subsoil, the Anguil- 
lule do little damage. Hence the utility of using clay or SANSA derived 
from virgin forest, around newly-set trees. 

This old plan deserves attention and can be recommended; but since 
the war, in their haste to promote the growth of groves and gardens, 
the later horticulturists reverse this method, imbed the young tree in 
surface soil, and use nitrogenous fertilizers to encourage rapid develop- 
ment, this certainly causes increase of the root-knot. 


5. DISUSE OF LAND. 


Keeping land clean, free from all growth for two or more years, has 
proved of great benefit if done before trees are planted. I believe the 
worms require living tissues to develop in, and deprived of this they 
would die, probably within the limit I have given. 

In many places where the soil has not been cultivated for a long 
series of years, and the Broom Sedge Grass has exterminated all other 
weeds, I have failed to find any traces of the Anguiilula, and I regard 
this as confirmatory proof that disuse of land prevents the root-knot, 


6. DISUSE OF EasILy INFECTED CROPS. 


In most of our Southern States, where the Clovers and Buckwheat 
will not prosper, it has been the almost universal custom to substitute 
the Cow-pea as a soil-renovator. Drilled or broadcast it is the great 
crop for “laying by” corn, and as a second or third crop after rice, 
oats, or market garden. Very few groves or orchards but have annu- 
ally from one to three crops of pea-vines plowed in for fertilizing. 


21 


Again, as a “ first crop,” after clearing off the timber, it is in general 
use for new land. Few plants are so sensitive to the attacks of the 
Anguillula, and few have roots so badly infected with these worms, and 
this common custom of planting the Cow-pea is mentioned only to be 
condemned, as, if continued, in time all groves and gardens in these 
sandy soils will be failures. 

The Lespedeza striata (Japan Clover), Desmodium molle (Beggar 
Weed), and Richardsonia seabra (Mexican Clover), will prove fine sub- 
stitutes for the Cow-pea as forage and fertilizer. If the Cow-pea must 
be grown, keep it away from garden and orchard, and at planting time 
use large quantities of some strong alkaline fertilizer on the soil. The 
economical habit of planting market gardens in orchards should be dis- 
couraged. 

It is easy to see the reason and the danger from the use of ammo- 
niaeal fertilizers so necessary to induce rapid growth of vegetables, and 
the spread of the Anguillule from the roots of the Melons, Cucumbers, 
ete., to the trees. Many instances of this sort can be seen over the 
South, and should serve as warning to our horticulturists in the fature. 

I believe that in badly infeeted grounds some relief could be given 
by drilling the Cow-pea, and, when in bloom, cutting off the stems for 
forage; then to plow and carefully rake up the roots in piles for burn- 
ing when dry enough. This method of destroying the infected roots of 
Okra, Melons, ete., and the roots of the Chenopodium, etc., would no 
doubt be of great value in small areas, and even ip larger fields, by 
the aid of improved machinery for gathering the roots. 

It needs only the mention that planting of trees from infected local- 
ities should be avoided; even those not liable to the disease themselves 
may carry soil containing Anguilluiz among the roots. 

I have noted that the Peach and Fig obtained from Northern nur- 
series seem extremely easy to take the disease, far more so than the 
native stocks. I only mention the fact, but have not ascertained tie 


reason. 
7. INSECT ENEMIES. 


I have found but one, the small blackish-brown ant that inhabits rot- 
ten wood and decaying roots—very common in this section—the Sole- 
nopsis xyloni. 

This, when the roots of the Okra, Pea, etc., begin to decay, burrows 
into the tissues and drags out the pregnant Anguillule for destruction. 

I was puzzled at first to find the dead roots of the Okra, Melon, Peach, 
and Fig free from cysts or pregnant worms, though in partially rotting 
enlargements [ found plenty of Anguillula. 

Closer and extended examination showed this ant in the act of de- 
vouring the enlarged worms, and its service to the orechardist is be- 
yond value in this respect. 

Inasmuch as a dry soil is favorable to ant life, it will be readily seen 
how drainage is useful in aiding the propagation of this tiny destroyer. 


22 


Upon crushing a mature, pregnant worm various forms of micrococci 
are visible by the microscope as existing within the Anguillula, evi- 
dently not hurtful, and when seen exterior to the worm seem not preju- 
dicial to its life; but more study is needed on this point. 


8. USE OF VERMICIDE FERTILIZERS. 


Experiments looking to the adoption of some mixtures capable of de- 
stroying the worms while in the root tissues have not proved a success. 
The use of smaller quantities per acre than one-tenth of 1 per cent. of 
the surface soil for 1 foot in depth and 10 feet radius to each tree— 
about a ton to the acre—produced no perceptible effect on the disease, 
and a greater amount injured the trees. 

The use of bisulphide carbon, kerosene emulsion, and various arsen- 
ical solutions destroyed so great a percentage of the trees that on that 
account, and the expense of application, it was abandoned. 

Alkaline mixtures have done better, and will bear repetition, espe- 
cially the sulphites and muriates. 

For nursery stock, it no doubt will pay to thoroughly incorporate 
some of these chemicals with the soil some weeks before planting seeds, 
cions, or young trees, using it at the rate of at least one-tenth of 1 per 
cent. of the surface soil cultivated. 

Alkaline fertilizers, as hard-wood ashes, muriate and sulphate of pot- 
ash, kainite, or ash element produce a hard growth but little, if any, 
affected by the root-knot. Usually the fertilizer is applied in too small 
a quantity. Not less than 3,000 pounds to the acre should be used to 
produce the required effect, one-half in December, the remainder in 
May. 

A fertilizer containing a small percentage of carbolic acid, carbolates, 
thymol-cresol, or an easily decomposed sulphite would no doubt be valu- 
able in this infected section. 


9, NON-INFECTED STOCKS. 


After all, I believe the use of trees that are not susceptible to the 
root-knot, for stocks on which to graft or bud the susceptible varieties 
is the proper solution of the root-knot problem. The matter of location, 
soil, fertilizer, and prevention then need not worry the intending or- 
chardist. Find the disease-proof tree and the thing is done, and most 
of my experiments have been directed to secure in some measure this 
result. 

It is, perhaps, too soon to say that complete success has been realized, 
but the gain is perceptible. 

For the Orange I can recommend the hardy bitter-sweet or sour 
species as nearly disease-proof and a vigorous grower. 

The Citrus trifoliata and the Japanese “ Unshiu,” or Satsuma, both 
seem resistant, but the time of trial has been too short. This last is a 
slow grower, with dense roots, and promises to be the best of any of the 


23 


. Citrus family. Its hardiness, freedom from thorns, and vigor recom. 
mend it. 

Grapes of the Vinifera type as well as those of the “stivalis group are 
subject to the root-knot, if grown on their own roots, but grafted into 
stocks of the Cordifolia or Vulpina races have made superb growths 
free of the disease. 

I have found no stock for Fig or Mulberry that has stood the test. 

For the Peach family either the seedlings of the Wild Goose Plum, 
the Marianna, or the recently introduced Japanese Plums, Kelsey, Sat- 
suma, or Ogru, are valuable. Three years’ test of the Marianna prove 
that for that time, at least, the roots resisted the Anguillula and were 
free from knots. When the peach died the Myrobolan was infected 
slightly, and even the native plums suffered with the disease. It is too 
soon to give an unqualified approval of this as a stock, but so far it is 
the very best, growing from cuttings and very rapidly, making a tree 
that is nearly borer-proof as well as free from the Anguillule. 

Some seedlings of our American Plums are destined to replace the 
Peach as a stock, unless the Japanese varieties prove superior. 

I have found nothing of value for the English Walnut as a stock, nor 
for the Weeping Willow. 

I have indicated the probable line of action to mitigate or prevent the 
disease in gardens—the use of alkaline fertilizers, the exposure to frost, 
the gathering of diseased roots to burn, the removal of certain weeds, 
and the disuse of land and cow peas. 


EXTENT OF DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF THE DISEASE. 


Within the district infected by the Anguillula it would be well nigh 
an impossibility to give even an approximate idea of the losses sus- 
tained each year by the farmer, the gardener, and the horticulturist 
from the ravages of this worm. 

All over the southern section of the United States hundreds of market 
gardens have been planted at an immense outlay of time and money, only 
to have the fields of vegetables blighted from this mysterious trouble, as 
if scorched by fire or frost. Thousands of trees have been planted only 
to dwindle away and die; and, as the defect has been usually ascribed 
to the fertilizer or the climate, the injury has been enormous, while the 
real cause has not been suspected, and, as far as I know, no effort made 
to ascertain aremedy. The Orange is slightly affected now, but in the 
future, when the soil will be filled with cysts and worms, Urange trees 
will be as uncertain, I fear, as the Peach or Fig at the present time. 

From the best testimony I can get, in the early days of the white im- 
migration, except in damp locations, peaches grew without any disease, 
save the “Borer.” Now, in many places, the trees that do well are the 
exception, and in these locations it is idle waste of time, labor, trees, and 
fertilizers to attempt the culture of an orchard. 

In such infected spots the usual program is to apply some costly 


24 


ammoniacal manure to the land, cultivate early vegetables between the 
trees; then, after that crop is removed, sow the land in cow-peas. The 
result is bewildering. Next year the unfortunate planter is discouraged 
to find many of the trees dying back, the vegetable crop with knotty 
roots and irregular fruit. 

Another heavy fertilizing, another crop of peas, and that spot is done 
for. The disgusted farmer tries another vocation, and gives over the 
place to weeds and desolation. 

With young, closely-set rows of trees the disease causes greatest dam- 
age, spreading rapidly from tree to tree. 

In market gardens, especially the Tomato, Cucumber, Melon, and 
Squash, the Anguillula often either destroys the plants before fruiting 
or reduces the size of the fruit till it fails to pay expenses. 

A number of disastrous failures with gardens, that have come to iny 
notice, no doubt resulted from this cause. 


LIFE HISTORY OF THE ANGUILLULA. 


The study of this microscopic worm has been exceedingly difficult, 
and many points in its history are not yet fully ascertained. 

The limit of its existence, periods of growth, sexual characteristics, 
generation, variation of form, and the precise action ocecasioning the 
abnormal growth in roots, are all undetermined questions which wiil 
take a long continued series of observations to solve. (Note 12.) 

As first observed, a mass of cells appears within the uterine cornua, 
cells averaging soto inch in diameter, arranged in bands from 55259 
to z5é50 inch in width, reaching across to the walls of the uterus. 
(Plate XX, A, B.) These bands appear at the smaller end of the uterus, 
beginning from ToveD to 10000 inch from the free extremities, extend- 
jing downward 7,%5 to 77385 inch. Lower down, these cells show a ten- 
dency to aggregate into irregular masses ee 225 LB, C), then into 
ovate forms, eventually becoming ovals ;>8o9 by 72549 inch. 

At first these cysts have no epidermis, but a thin coating appears 
and thickens as they approach the normal size of 7,355 inch in length 
and +55 inch in width. (Plate XX, D, 2.) 

During the life of the female the cysts form rapidly, until the whole 
uterus becomes enormously enlarged, and contains cysts in every stage, 
from the primary agglomeration of cells to free Anguillule. (Plates 


XIX and XVIII.) 
The decay of the environing root exposes the pregnant female to 


changes in weather, and with a slight increase in heat the contraction 
of the exterior expels the contents of the uterus and disperses them. 

This in most cases appears to be through the upper segment, though 
often it occurs through the fissure in the head. (Plate XIX.) 

The cyst at first is a solid mass of granular cells. (Plates IX, 1, and 
X,1.) It divides centrally at the shorter axis (Plates IX, 2, 3; X, 2, 
26,4); each half repeats this process till four or five segments are visible: 

A longitudinal fissure then appears, causing eight segments (Plates 


25 


IX, 6,7; and X, 15, 16,18); the walls of the segments are absorbed 
each side the central long fissure (Plate IX, 8, 10, 15, 16,17, 18), which 
extends to the margin of the cyst in one direction, and upon separation 
at that end motion begins, and the Anguillula awakes to life and ae- 
tion. (Plates IX, 17, 18; and XI, 1.) 

sale eruwth within the cyst continues till the worm attains a length 
of ;43$5 inch or more, and a central diameter of 5355 inch; the cyst 
ruptures, the worm is free (Plate XI, 2, 3, 7), leaving the ae shell 
shrunken and torn. (Plate XI, 4, 4a.) 

Up to this point I have failed to discriminate the sexes. Both ue 
blunt at one end, which is marked with a fissure ;5¢55 inch to 75855 
inch in length, often with a circular hinge-like termination (Plate XII, 
eG da, Ga, Ta, and XIII, la, 2a, 3a) extending into a tortuous channel 
tosvoo inch in diameter and averaging >;%> inch in length; then the 
remainder of the worm becomes a mass Of cells of various sizes to within 
7s inch or 7205 Ich of the extremity or tail. 

These cells at times appear with a sinuous channel clear from either 
end (Plate XI, 4), or with breaks in their continuity (Plate XI, 2, 3), 0 
granular masses interspersed (Plates XII, 6,7, and XIV, 1,2), or as 
fine cells irregnlarly arranged. (Plate XIII, 1, 2,3.) Occasionally the 
whole interior appears as a solid mass of cells. (Plate XII, 6.) 

I have not discovered the method of impregnation, but at an early 
period rapid changes in shape begin in the female. (Plates XVI, 2 to 
15; XVII,1 to9; XIV; XV; and XII, 5,6, 7,8.) The enlargement is 
preceded by the formation in both upper and lower thirds of the body 
of dark masses of cells that eventually unite (Plates XIV, 3, A, B; 4, 
5, A, B, OC, and 6; XV, 2,3), then by the time the worm reaches the 
age represented in Plate XVI, 11, 12; Plate X VI, 3,4, become changed 
into a bicornate ovarium or uteras, which at full term attains the length 
of 2'%> Inch in many coils, and contains one hundred and fifty or one 
hundred and sixty full-sized cysts. 

The shapes and sizes of these pregnant females vary greatly, and I 
believe are the result of the environment. In soft tissues of the Cow- 
pea, Radish, and the like rapidly-growing plants they attain a transverse 
diameter of 3605 inch, and a length of ;3$°, inch. The tail is reduced 
to a short spine (Plates XTV, 3; and XV, 2, 3), which disappears later 
on, as the worm approaches the transverse diameter of ;35°, inch. 
(Plate XVII, 3, 4.) 

The thickness of the exterior wall varies from 5255 inch at the 
lower part of the body to ;5}o5 inch at the vertex, and is exceedingly 
tough and resistant. In color it appears yellowish by transmitted light, 
but a brilliant white by reflected light. When fully developed, it is 
partly transparent, showing the coils of the uterus with its eysts. The 
exterior is granular or corrugated, especially near the “head” (Plates 
XIV, 6,and XTX), and with an apparently radiate arrangement of cells 
from acenter near the tail, er perhaps marking the disappearance of 
that appendage. (Plate X XI.) 


» 26 


The head varies from a form like Plates XVII, 3, 4, 7,9, and XVI, 9, 
12, 13, 14, to that shown by Plates XVI, 10, 11,.15; XVII, 2, 5,°8,-and 
XVIII, the neck from a mere contraction of the body, Plates X VII, 6, 
and XVI, 15, to a long tube, as in Plates XVI, 14, and XVII, 9. 

The body varies from almost a globe (Plate XVI, 9,13) to an oval 
(Plate XVI, 14; XVII, 9), or nearly a cylinder. (Plate XVI, 15.) 

The worms found in woody tissue are usually of the forms of Plates 
XVI, 10, 11, and XVII, 5, 8; in soft tissues like Plates XVI, 14, and 
XVII, 7, 9, but Iam unable to understand the reason of this variation, 

In roots, as a rule, the bodies radiate from the central axis of the 
root, with the ‘‘ heads” to the axis. 

When once enlargement of the body begins, the worm becomes a fix- 
ture, and remains incapable of progression in any direction; the en- 
largement is gradual and the cells of the root tissues become smaller 
by the pressure, forming a rigid wall on every side of the worm. 

How long the worm exists is an unsolved problem which I hope to 
solve in time. 

Apart from vegetable tissues, J have noted signs of life in the An- 
guillula after being kept air-dry six months, but have no record of any 
reliable experiments with the worms in the roots; but the vitality is 
very great. 

When motion is first perceived in the cyst, the worm is an average 
of ;34°, inch in length and ;5355 extreme thickness ; soon after it be- 
comes free it enlarges and lengthens till it casts its skin, which it does 
as Shown in Plate XI, 5, leaving the old skin shrunken as at 6, same 
plate; a fragmentary cast is seen on Plate XII, 1, but I have not de- 
termined the number of times in its life it sheds the skin, as it is rare 
to find a perfect cast for measurement. 

Among the thousandsof Anguiilule I have examined, therearea great 
many variations and arrangements of cells that are not easily explainable. 
Plates XV, XIII, and XII, 5, 8, 7, 6, exemplify some of the most marked. 
Plate XIII, 2, 3, is very singular; a cyst-like form, with segments. 
Also at 3, a peculiar arrangement of cells, large and small; in fact, I 
have never found two worms exactly similar in the grouping of cells; 
the resemblance is general, but with wide variation of details. The ex- 
amples given in the plates justify this conclusion, sketched as they were 
from living specimens. 

The arrangement of the cysts in the uterus is generally as shown by 
Plates XVIII, XTX, and XX, though that often becomes changed, as 
indicated in Plate X XI. (Note 13.) 

In mature and apparently aged worms, I have found as many as a 
dozen free worms within the uterus, having attained motion and liber- 
ation there. 

In plates showing the changes in vegetable tissues, ‘“A” refers to the 
enlargements and nests of Anguillula, “‘B” to spots of decay. 


27 


NOTES. 


NoTE 1.—Owing to a lack of literature on the subject, I have provisionally named 
this worm Anguillula arenaria, but it may belong to a different genus. If an Anguil- 
lula, it is very near the A. brevispinosus, but as the spine disappears in mature forms, 
I have called this A. arenaria. 

Notr 2.—This information came from one of the oldest citizens, who learned of it 
from the Spanish residents in 1820. 

Notr 3.—Letters received from correspondents at nearly every important town gave 
the data. 

Notr 4.--Messrs. Berckmans, Onderdonk, Munson, and Stelle are referred to. 

Notre 5.—I kept fully developed pregnant females ina watch glass dry for six months, 
and when wet, they expanded, and the grown worms within the cysts in the uterus 
resumed motion. 

Note 6.—The average weight of acubic foot of ordinary sandy surtace soil is 6,602,625 
grains, equal to 86.08 pounds ayoirdupois; this at the temperature of 70°, the soil 
being air-dry. 

Nore 7.—The quantity required to saturate a cubic foot was 2.3 gallons of the kero- 
sene emulsion. 

Note 8.—The amount of lime used was 20 pounds to the tree, forty-nine trees to the 
acre. 

Notre 9.—Water poured upon the pots percolated through the soil and out at the 
hole in the bottom of the pot. This was allowed to evaporate considerably and exain- 
ined with magnifier 350 diameters, eye-piece B, objective one-half inch. 

Notre 10.—Radishes and turnips are very susceptible to the Anguillula. (See Plate 
III, drawn from actual specimen, natural size. ) 

Note 11.—A common practice among the ‘‘ old-time ” slaves, who tell me it was the 
rule made by the old whites as far back as 1805. The reason they gave was ‘the 
peach loves clay and yellow sand.” 

NoTE 12.—I could only approximate the growth and development by the use of such 
plants as the Cow-pea and Radish—planting seed in infected soil, and at certain dates 
pulling up the plants and examining the knots, making a careful sketch, drawn to 
scale, each time. Allattempts at cultivating in fluids failed. 

Note 13.—By softening the exterior with a solution of caustic potash, snipping off 
the head and gently pressing the body in fluid, with a cover glass, the uterus exuded 
as shown in Plate XIX. 


e) 


EXPLANATIONS TO PLATES. 


PLATE I. 


Roots of Cow Pea, showing enlargements caused by Anguillula: A, enlargement 
and nests: B, spots of decay. (Original.) 


PLATE II. 


Roots of Okra, showing enlargements caused by AnguilluJa: A, enlargements and 
nests; B, spots of decay. (Original.) 


PLATE III. 


Roots of Radish, showing enlargements caused by Anguillula: A, enlargements and 
nests; B, spots of decay. (Original.) 


PLATE IV. 


Roots of Grape [Black Hamburg], showing enlargements caused by Anguillula: A, 
enlargements and nests; B,spots of decay. (Original.) 


PLATE V. 
Roots of Peach, showing enlargements caused by Anguillula. (Original.) 
PLATE VI. 


Roots of Weeping Willow, showing enlargements caused by Anguillula—natural 
size. (Original.) 


PLATE VII. 


Roots of Fig, showing enlargements caused by Anguillula—natural size. (Orig- 
inal.) 


PLATE VIII. 


1, section of root of Okra, showing enlargements caused by Anguillula; 2, Peach, 
same; 3, Grape, same—enlarged four times: 4, Weeping Willow, same—natural size: 
A, enlargements and nests; B,spots of decay. (Original.) 


PLATE IX. 


Reproductive cysts which form in the uterus of the female Anguillula: 1, first 
stage, solid mass of granular cells; 2,3,segmentation or division into two parts; 4, 
26, 5, 5a, 6, segmentation into four parts; 7, longitudinal fissure appearing, which 
causes segmentation into eight parts; 8,9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, walls of seg- 
ments absorbing each side of the central longitudinal fissure which extends to the 
margin of the cyst in one direction, until upon separation at that end motion begins— 


greatly enlarged. (Original.) 
29 


30 


PLATE X. 


Reproductive cysts (continued) : 1, 1a, first Stage; 2,3, 4, 26, bi-segmentation or di- 
vision into two parts; 5, 6,7,8,9, segmentation into four parts; 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 
16, 17, 18, segmentation into eight parts—greatly enlarged. (Original, ) 


1B 


LATE XI. 


Developed or free Anguillule within the reproductive cysts: 1, free Anguillula 
Within cyst not yet broken; 2, 3,7, cyst broken; 4, 4a, empty shell of eyst from which 
Anguillule have emerged; 5, young worm casting skin; 6,empty skin cast by young 


worm—-greatly enlarged. (Original. ) 


PLATE XII. 


Growth of Anguillule: 1, cast skin 
bluutness at one end, with fissure hay 


of young worm; 2,3, 4,5, 6,7, 8, worms showing 
ing a circular, hinge like termination at A, and 


granular masses of cells within—greatly enlarged. (Original. ) 


PLATE XIII. 


Growth of Anguillulse (continued): 1, 2,3, worms showing masses of fine cells irrecu- 
larly arranged within, and fissure at blunt end with circular, hinge-like termination 


at A—greatly enlarged. (Original. ) 


PLATE XIV. 


Growth of Anguillule and changes 


within the female: 1, 2, female worms showing 


granular masses within; 3,4, 5,6, changes in shape in the female, preceded by for- 
mation in upper and lower thirds of body of dark masses of cells, A, B, C, which 


eventually unite—greatly enlarged. 


(Original. ) 


PLATE XV. 


Changes within female Anguillule 


(continned): 1, 2, 3, enlargements in shape of 


the female, with formation of masses of cells at A—greatly enlarged. (Original. ) 


PLATE XVI. 


Changes in form of female Anguillule: 1-15, outlines showing changes in form, 
from leaving the reproductive cyst until the female is herself filled with cysts, also 


showing changes in the form of the h 
larged. (Original.) 


ead and disappearance of the tail—greatly en- 


PLATE XVII. 


Changes in form of female Anguillul 


#e (continued): 1-9, outlines of changes in form 


of body and head, with the disappearance of the tail—greatly enlarged. (Original. ) 


PLATE XVIII. 


Gravid female Anguillula, showing 


contracted head and neck as in some females, 


and the arrangement of cysts in the uterus—greatly enlarged. (Original. ) 


PLATE XIX. 


Arrangement of cysts in uterus of fe 


male Anguillula and expulsion of young worms ; 


through fissure in the head—greatly enlarged. (Original.) 


or 
PLATE XX. 


Arrangement of cysts in uterus of female Anguillula (continued): A-B, cysts a» 
ranged in bands reaching across to the walls of the uterus; .B-C, aggregation of cells 
into irregular masses within the uterus; C-D, aggregations of cells arranged in two 
rows in the uterus; D-E, cysts that have attained the normal size and become coated 
with a thin epidermis—greatly enlarged. (Original. ) 


PLATE XXI. 


A changed arrangement of cysts within the uterus of the female Anguillula which 
often occurs—greatly enlarged. (Original.) 


ie 


- = 


Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture, 


COW PEA. 


PLATE |. 


Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agricuiture. 


PLATE Il. 


en ee je 
4 j ¢ ip yee 


OKRA. 


Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 


PLATE Il. 


RADISH. 


Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 


PLATE IV. 


Q 


: 
h 
7 
. 


GRAPE. 
Vitis Vinifera— Black Hamburg. 


"ws 
po UU se 
a p 


ae 5 


Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 


PLATE V. 


PEACH. 


Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture, 


WEEPING WILLOW. 


Natural size. 


Vl 


ie , 

: Mee lif ee 
' hs i, Ri ‘i 4 

oe! wy i " i i 


et 
+ 
ome 


‘ a } 
re i eu 
ha Aa \ J 


Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 


PLATE VII. 


; 
, 


FIG. 
Natural size. 


ud Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 


ps <s a ee PLATE VIII. 


PEACH. Section X 4. 


GRAPE. Section X 4. 


WEEPING WILLOW. 


Natural size. 


a 
oe ‘i 


ss) 

BR est 
ORS 

ON Sos 


18 


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x3 Sh { kD ae «0 | z DAY sesuee | Ee : oe 2 
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is 9) \ ) 
PEARS SMEG 2 eS \ IRS, IZ 


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FR I9019 Lee Ste N 
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SPST By SSR 5 
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LiL EM aS a eet 
= 


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——S 


3) Eos oe 72 > 
sae 7 


any ays 


he ee. ese a {ens Pee fs 
4 aby Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 
q ‘ PLATE X., 


g 


CYSTS OF ANGUILLULA. 


DEVELOPMENT OF ANGUILLULA. 


& 


“ten Mn i Sa 


ree 


it 


Dept. Agricu 


is 


logy, 


{ vision of Entomolo 


PEATE eure 


RS 


0 DUS CHT BA 


DEVELOPMENT OF ANGUILLULA. 


F Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 


PLATE XIII. 


iS if 


es" y uo as 2 
: ca : 
y, Cj é oO ‘ C333 
HOT Ki 
Menecc cones 
Cdawarc sigs 
(Yo Wascese ( 
‘Ss } Dy 


SOS 
rreyry 
RO) 
+5 aes 
Tp 
sens 
LAG 
ROS? 
eh 


pee 
() 
NS Ned 


DEVELOPMENT OF ANGUILLULA. 


peer 


SS RASS PES 
ey PSS oes semencegeneeeay © AS 


PO ISo5 eux ee. D- 
GEA Pee BS 
ER EE 
RS RS SB aS 


=~ Ds 
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wh) 


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po ys b 
TOV OBYY 


< An ys 1e . 
i s) Aes 
4 ee PAI 5. J )) pw * rt 
PSE = Ware ey a. re) aie g 


10.000. 


Sie 
‘ 


PLATE XIV, 


e SS pe Sx é 
2 age = sis oen ee SS. 
2 2 ee =) : : 
IP aor SPE 

x EE 


GROWTH AND CHANGES IN THE FEMALE ANGUILLULA- 


a a Ty! 
\ 


eM elere des 
AS 5 real 
ea bee. AW 


OS 


Wee tears 


) 
Oi 


ea 
tay 


e 


se 


y 


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) 


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she < 


BEATE XV 


SS Se ee 
ES REBIISS 


‘ 


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\ 

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PLATE. XVIIL. 


—~ Va 


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<—. 
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: 
‘ 
i} 
= 7 
: 
[4 
« 
* 
az D 
‘ 
; 
é 


_=”.lUC > ae ae ef an 


GRAVID FEMALE ANGUILLULA, SHOWING CYSTS IN UTERO. 3 
A s eh 


a, 


~~ 


Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 


PAE AIX: 


WT et 


> 
art 


Ae 
tee s= i 


FEMALE ANGUILLULA, SHOWING EXPULSION OF YOUNG. 


Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 
F PLATE Xx. 


2 
Zip > 


; pf aS 


. | 
153) 
ith 


bol 
ics " 


ay 

~e 
aE 

8 


4 
q 


oe oN oe! ie 
Bulletin 20, Division of Entomology, Dept. Agriculture. 


PA El 


al 


hoo 


10 


—— In. 


2.500 


: ARRANGEMENT OF CYSTS IN FEMALE ANGUILLULA IN UTERO. 


Ee ) 


es 


\RTMENT OF AGRICULTUR 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 


BuLuetin No. 21. 


i 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
Hee G6 


PP o.eePARI MENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 21. 


ReBok Chik: | 


, rie toc wet hALIA 


| 
~~ ENEMIES OF THE FLUTED SCALE. 


TO INVESTIGATE THE 


th BY 


7 ALBERT KOEBELE. 


( MADE UNDER DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. ) 
9-0 0 


WASH ENG EON: 


GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 


18.910", 


—- 


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Washington, D. C., November 22, 1889. 


Sir: I have the honor to submit for publication Bulletin No. 21 of 
this Division, being the report of Mr. Albert Koebele upon the Fluted 
Scale (Icerya purchast Maskell) and its natural enemies in Australia. 
I had intended to incorporate it in my forthcoming annual report, but 
the limited space alloted to that report makes it necessary to publish 
this as a separate bulletin. . 


Respectfully, 
C2 NV; GLE, 


Entomologist. 
Hon. J. M. Rusk, 
_ Secretary of Agriculture. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The following report by Mr. Albert Koebele, one of the California 
agents of the Division of Entomology, gives an account of his trip to 
Australia, made during the late summer and fall of 1888 and the winter 
of 188889, under instructions from this Department, for the purpose 
of investigating the Australian natural enemies of the Fluted Scale 
(Icerya purchasi Maskell) with a view to introducing the most efficient 
of them into California. 

Failing to secure a specific appropriation from Congress for this pur- 
pose, although assisted in the attempt by the California delegation, 
and particularly by the Hon. 0. M. Felton, and failing also to secure 
the removal of the clause restricting travel to the limits of the United 
States, we were led to accomplish the result through the kindness of 
the Department of State, in connection with the Melbourne Exposition, 
an arrangement having been made whereby two of the salaried agents 
of the Division should be temporarily attached to the Commission, 
their expenses, outside the United States, to be defrayed by the Com- 
mission, within the sum of $2,000. The warm thanks of this Depart- 
ment are due to the Department of State for this codperation, and par- 
ticularly to the Hon. Frank McCoppin, commissioner-general to the 
Exposition, to whom the matter was submitted by the State Department 
for approval. Mr. McCoppin at once accepted the proposition, and 
upon Mr. Koebele’s arrival in Australia helped him in every way possi- 
ble to make the experiment successful. 

Mr. Koebele was sent, as just stated, for the specific purpose of study- 
ing and importing the natural enemies of the Fluted Scale, while the 
other agent, Mr. F. M. Webster, was sent to make a special report to 
the Commission on the agricultural features of the Exposition. Mr. 
Webster’s report has been sent to the Commission, and was formally 
submitted to Mr. McCoppin. A copy of the present report, although 
purely entomological, and having little relation tothe Exposition proper, 
has also been transmitted to Mr. McCoppin,,as the results of the mis- 
sion are, and ever will be, connected with his exposition work. 

-While a number of other entomological matters are referred to in the 
report, Mr. Koebele never lost sight of the main object of his mission. 
How successful it has proved late reports already published in INSECT 


5 


6 


LIFE, and elsewhere, have abundantly testified. They have more than 
justified the anticipations expressed in my last annual report: 

We fully expect to learn of the increase and rapid spread of this new in troduction 
as well as some of the other predaceous species which have been introduced, and to 
find that in a comparatively tew years thie orange groves of southern California will 
be kept measurably freed of the pernicious Fluted Scale without so great an effort on 
the part of the growers or so great expense in destroying it. That nature will, with 
the new conditions induced by these importations, come to the relief of the fruit- 
grower, and that this interesting experiment will result in the ultimate saving of 
untold millions to the people of the Pacific Coast is our sincere belief which we hope 
to see verified. Not that we expect the Icerya to be ever entirely exterminated ; 
but it will be kept under subjection so as to be comparatively harmless, as it is in its 
native country. : 

One of the insects imported, viz, the Cardinal Vedalia (Vedalia cardi- 
nalis Mulsant), has multiplied and increased to such an extent as to rid 
many of the orange groves from Icerya and to promise immunity in the 
near future for the entire State of California. In fact, the rapid multi- 
plication and the effective work of this little beetle are almost incom- 
prehensible until we come to consider its power of increase in a climate 
like that of southern California, where there is scarcely any cessation in 
its activities. 

A careful account of the transformations of the Vedalia has been pre- 
pared by Mr. Coquillett and was published in INsEcT LIFE for Sep- 
tember, 1889, pages 70 to 74. I reproduce the figures in connection with 
Mr. Koebele’s report in order to familiarize those who have not yet seen 
it with its appearance. I have also had some other figures made to ac- 
company the report. 

The period from the laying of the eggs until the adults again appear 
occupies less than thirty days for the Vedalia. At this rate of increase, 
calculating that three hundred eggs are laid by each female, and that 
one half of these produce females, it will readily be seen that in six 
months the offspring of a single female beetle may under favorable cir- 
cumstances amount to over twenty-two trillions. So far it has not been 
noticed to prey upon any other insect than the Fluted Scale, a fact which 
accounts somewhat for its exceptionally rapid work and renders the 
outlook extremely encouraging. 

Uf the other enemies of the Icerya referred to and more particularly 
mentioned in the latter part of Mr. Koebele’s report, none of them have 
so far given much promise, and there is risk of their not being colonized 
by virtue of the extraordinary spread and increase of the Vedalia, 
which has swept away from whole regions the Fluted Scale, upon which 
they depend. This contingency should have been avoided and I very 
much regret that they have not become established in California, be- 
cause their establishment, and especially that of the little Dipteron, 
Cryptochetum icerye, wotld have helped in the general subjection of 
the pest and would be particularly valuable whenever the Vedalia, for 
whatever reason, at any time practically forsakes a given locality. 

C. V. R. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


ALAMEDA, CAL., July 17, 1889 
Str: i herewith submit my report upon the study of I. erya purchasi in 
Australia and New Zealand and the introduction of its parasites and 
enemies into California, undertaken under your direction and in ac- 
cordance with your letter of instructions. * 
Respectfully yours, 
ALBERT KOEBELE, 
Special Agent. 
Prof. V.C. RILEY, 
U. S. Entomologist. 


*The following is extracted from the letter of instractions: 


WASHINGTON, July 3, 1888. 

As you are already aware you are sent to Australia for the purpose of mak- 
ing an investigation of the parasites and other natural enemies of Icerya purchasi 
with a view of introducing them into California, It will he necessary for you to go to 
Adelaide to see Mr. Frazer 8, Crawford, who sent over the first Dipterous parasites 
and the Celostomas (or rather Monophlebus crawfordi). This Dipterous parasi‘e has 
been named by Dr. Willsiton Lestophonus icerye, and at Adelaide you will probably 
be able to study this insect carefully. Make the most careful investigations where 
you can learn of the occurrence of Jcerya and find all of its natural enemies in Austra- 
lia. Find out also the periods at which these parasites oviposit and ascertain the 
season at which success in importation will be most likely with each and all of them. 
Once on the ground you can see for yourself just what will be necessary to be done in 
order to bring about this result. You should also endeavor to place the Department 
in correspondence with as many observers as you can interest in the subject, and 
should by all means endeavor to get at least one man who will be able to devote some 
time to the matter and continue observations after you leave. It is barely possible 
that we may be able to re-imburse some such person for the time expended, but for 
this I will write you later, if indeed I do not see you personally in Australia in No- 
vember. You will, of course, inquire immediately upon arriving in Melbourne concern- 
ing the largest orange-growing districts in Australia, and also make inquiries as to the 
best places for observing Icerya, aside from Adelaide. If you will visit the Botanic 
Gardens in Melbourne you will be able to get some information there. Baron von 
Mueller, formerly director of the Botanic Gardens, is still a resident of that city and 
you will find him a very well-informed person to consult. I inclose you letters of in- 
troduction both to Mr. Crawford and Baron von Mueller. * * * 

On this trip your salary will be paid as usual by this Department, but your ex- 
penses by the Department of State through Mr. McCoppin. * * * 


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REPORT OF THE FLUTED SCALE OF THE ORANGE AND ITS 
NATURAL ENEMIES IN AUSTRALIA, 


By ALBERT KOEBELE. 


In accordance with the commission received from the Hon. Norman 
J. Colman, United States Commissioner of Agriculture, and your letter 
of July 3, 1888, I left San Francisco on August 25, and arrived at Auck- 
land, New Zealand, on September 14, where some hours were spentin get- 
ting information in regard to Icerya. I visited Mr. W. Will, editor of 
the New Zealand Herald and Auckland Weekly News, who then, and 
subsequently on my later visit, gave me valuable information in regard 
to the occurrence and disappearance of Icerya in the Auckland districts, 
as well as many other points of interest in horticulture ; and also Mr. T. 
F. Cheeseman, curator of the Auckland Museum, who readily accom- 
panied me to a place full of Albizzia (Acacia) lophantha, Bentham, which 
had been about three years previously completely covered with Icerya. 
I made a careful search for specimens on these trees, yet only four full- 
grown females with large egg-sacs could be found. On one of the scales 
two rather large mites were feeding, attached to the under side; and the 
masses of old and moldy remains of Icerya were still visible on the 
trunks of trees. 

A residence on which formerly were many orange trees was also vis- 
ited. ‘There all of the trees had been cut down on account of the num- 
erous scales, and at the time of my visit no Icerya could be found and 
none were observed during the year as the proprietors informed me. 
No one was able to state the exact reason of the disappearance of the 
scales; some disease was the supposed cause. 

The steamer left Auckland the following day and arrived in Sydney, 
New South Wales, September 20. I remained there for four days in 
search of Icerya. On my first walk a number of them were discovered 
at the town hall premises, infesting a Pittosporum (P. wndulatum), and 
the succeeding days a few more were found in one of the public parks, 
also on this Pittosporum. A large isolated acacia tree full of the scales 
was found in front of a private house in the eastern part of Sydney; 
all were full-grown females with more or less developed egg-saes and ap- 


9 


10 


parently in a healthy condition. As the trees infested were all inclosed, 
no proper examination could be made and the few obtained at the town 
hall showed no trace of parasites. A trip was also made to Parramatta, 
about 14 miles to the west of Sydney, to look into some of the orange 
orchards. Ifound nearly all the trees badly infested with the red-scale 
(Aspidiotus aurantit Maskell, Fig. 1), and still worse with what I con- 


Fig. 1.—Aspidiotus aurantii Maskell: 1, seales on leaf of orange, natural size; la, adult male; 10, 
seales of female; le, scale of nale—enlarged (after Comstock). 


sidered to be Mytilaspis gloverii Packard.* Indeed, some of tbe trees 
are completely covered by this latter scale, having the appearance of 
an old coat of whitewash on the bark which had partly fallen off. None 
of the several orange-growers there visited had ever seen an Icerya or 
was familiar with the insect. I left Sydney on the 24th and arrived in 
Melbourne the following day, having in the meantime, through the 
kindness of the United States consul, obtained a free pass over the New 
South Wales Railway, which courtesy was shown me by all the colonies 
subsequently visited. Indeed, I can not speak too highly of the kind- 
ness shown me by all the Government officials, and of the interest they 
took in the successful execution of my work. I remained in Melbourne 
for six days, during which time I visited Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, 
to whom you had given me letters of introduction. This gentleman 
assured ine that the Icerya never became extensively injurious in Aus- 


*A careful study of the pygidial characters of this scale shows it to be much nearer 


M. pomorum than M. gloverii. It seems, however, to be distinct from the former and 
will probably prove to be new.—C, V. R. 


LE 


tralia. Occasionally and in certain spots they became numerous, but 
always disappeared again. [also met Mr. C. French, Baron von Muel- 
ler’s assistant, who has had some experience in entomology. He 
claims that the scale has been known to him for thirty-four years, 
yet he has never seen it in large numbers. 

At the Zoological Gardens I found on a species of Eucalyptus a coe- 
cid in such numbers as to cover the under side of all the larger branches 
and the stem in part. Many of the winged males were secreted among 
the crevices of bark, with their two long white setous hairs protruding. 
Numerous larvee of a coleopter were found under chips of bark feeding 
upon the scales, apparently belonging to some clerid. I never met 
with these larve again in my later researches nor with the coccid men- 
tioned. A great variety of scales was observed at Melbourne; the 
most pernicious amongst them, a species of Aspidiotus, deserved atten- 
tion. This is A. rossi Crawford, figured on his plate 18 of the Coccide, 
but as yet no description has appeared to my knowledge. I have seen 
olive trees completely covered by this scale; it will attack almost any 
kind of tree or shrub as I later observed. Many of the shrubs in the 
Botanical Gardens in Melbourne infested by this scale were in a dying 
condition. The introduction of this pest would be of serious conse- 
quence to the United States and we should be on our guard against 
this as well as a second species of waxy scale, probably a species of 
Ceroplastes. This last is covered by a thick, smooth, white, waxy mat- 
ter which effectually protects it. Nothing would destroy this scale, 
except remedies against the newly hatched Jarve, which, before they 
exude any wax, are easily killed. The insect was observed all over 
eastern Australia, and it was numerous in the Botanical Garden at Syd- 
ney and in the woods near Brisbane. At the Botanical Gardens they 
could find no remedy except cutting down the infested plants. I recom- 
mended a strong resin wash for the newly hatched larve. No Icerya 

could be found during my short stay at Melbourne. 

I arrived at Adelaide, South Australia, on October 2, with letters of 
introduction to Mr. Frazer 8. Crawford, of the surveyor general’s office, 
who received me very kindly and promised me his assistance, which 
promise he honorably fulfiiled throughout my stay in Adelaide. I saw 
‘the man who discovered the parasites of Icerya (Lestophonus icerye), 
and, indeed, felt very bappy when he promised to show me a large col. 
ony of the scales on the following day. Early the next morning Mr. A. 
Molineux, agricultural editor of the South Australian Register and Ade- 
laide Observer, and proprietor of the Garden and Field, showed me about 
a dozen orange and lemon trees in a private garden in the suburbs of 
Adelaide all more or less infested with Icerya, and had been so for the 
previous two years. _ The scales were nearly all full grown, or rather 
nearly all of them had begun to exude cottony matter and deposit eggs, 
yet they were not quite so far advanced as those observed at Sydney. 

The very first scale examined contained nine pup of the parasitie fly, 
Lestophonus, and the scale was still living. Nearly all of the many 


12 


others examined proved to have either larve or puparia within them ; 
none of the flies had at that time made their appearance. I attended 
the gardeners’ meeting at Adelaide on October 6, in order to get infor- 
mation as to the occurrence of Icerya, yet but very few of the gentlemen 
were acquainted with the insect. To show how rare Icerya is in South 
Australia, Mr. J. G. O. Tepper, of the museum at Adelaide, a qualified 
entomologist, who has collected insects all his life, has known Icerya 
only for the last two years. He never met before this with any speci- 
mens in all his collecting trips through South Australia. On October 
15 I made a trip with Messrs. Crawford and Tepper to North Adelaide, 
where some Icerya were said to exist; we found there in one garden a 
few orange and lemon trees with the scales, which were subsequently 
collected for shipment. In another garden, and also on orange, an oc- 


Fic. 2.—Vedalia cardinalis: a, full grown 1 rva; b, pupa, dorsal Fic. 3.—Vedalia cardi- 
view, inclosed ii: last larval skin; ¢, pupa, naked, ventral view— nalis, adult—enlarged 
all enlarged (after Riley). (after Riley). 


casional specinen was found. I discovered there, for the first time, 
feeding upon a large female Icerya, the Lady-bird, which will become 
famed in the United States— Vedalia cardinalis (Figs. 2 and 3). I called 
the attention of both the gentlemen to this in- 
sect, yet neither of them had ever seen it nor 
knew the beetle. Mr. Tepper has charge of a 
large collection of insects, and especially of Co- 
leoptera, at the South Australian Museum. Mr. 
Smith, the proprietor of the nursery, also called 
my attention to a beetle, a curculio, which is 
very destructive to olive-trees, eating the young 
shoots and leaves of the plants during the night 
and secreting itself in the ground during the 
day-time (Fig. 4).* 
Through the bureau of forestry at Adelaide I 
was informed that a colony of Icerya existed at 
. , Mannum, on the Murray River, and a trip to that 
df A mn place was made on October 18. In two gardens 
Fic. 4 ilies Sa a Icerya was present; in one of them they ex- 
E v4 isted on only a few of the many orange-trees, 
and none examined showed any parasites, while in the other on two 


*This is an Otiorbynchid unknown to us, and will have to be referred to a spe- 
cialist abroad.—C. V. R. 


13 


trees that were infested many of the scales were parasitized. In addi- 
tion to the parasites, numerous larve and eggs of a lace-winged fly 
(Chrysopa) were observed, the larve preying upon the scales and chiefly 
upon their eggs. They were covered so much with the cottony matter 
of Icerya as to resemble this insect very closely, and were difficult to 
pick out from the torn masses of egg-saes. I also observed here a cole- 
opterous (Coccinellid) larva, seen before at Adelaide, feeding on the 
scales, and this proved to be that of the Vedalia. All the scales here, 
as well as all the predaceous larvee found feeding upon them, were col- 
lected and taken to Adelaide to be shipped to California, together with 
those found at the latter place. They were kept boxed in a cool cellar. 
The scales in Adelaide and suburbs were collected on October 24 and 
25 at a place in North Adelaide. Nearly every one of the Iceryas ex- 
posed to light and sun contained parasites, and many of these had 
already left, as numerous holes were visible. Of the scales found ona 
small and bushy mandarin tree, where they were excluded from the 
sun, only a few contained parasites, but the larve of the Chrysopa were 
abundant. Most of the larger egg-saes of Icerya were torn by them 
and the contents devoured. 

I observed also that many of the young scales, only sufficiently large 
to contain a single puparium of the fly, were infested, the expanded 
skin of Icerya forming a thin covering over the puparium of the Lesto- 
phonus. This was observed at all places where Icerya occurred. No 
‘doubt the eggs of the pest must be deposited while the scales are yet 
quite small, probably even before the first molt, and certainly later, 
as the scales will go on feeding and increasing in size until the larve 
within them pupate. At this time large numbers of the scales were 
hatching and also of the flies. Only one living fly was observed on 
October 24 while collecting the scales, sitting between two large egg- 
masses and hardly visible to the eye. This and a second specimen 
taken under similar circumstances were the only ones I observed in nat- 
ure. [have never met with asingle specimen depositing eggs or even 
sitting on an Icerya nor flying around. I finished collecting for my 
first shipment on the 25th and estimated that I had about 6,000 Icerya, 
which in return would produce at an average about four parasites (Les- 
tophonus) each. They were packed partly in wooden and partly in tin 
boxes. Small branches generally full of scales were cut so as to fit 
exactly lengthwise into the box. With these the boxes were filled and 
all loose scales placed in between, plenty of space remaining for any 
of the insects within to move about freely without danger of being 
crushed by loose sticks. Salicylic acid was used in small quantities in 
the tin boxes to prevent mold, yet these, as I have been informed by 
Mr. Coquillett, arrived in a more or less moldy condition, while those 
in wooden boxes always arrived safe. In addition, Dr. Schomburgh, 
director of the botanical gardens at Adelaide, kindly fitted up for me 
a Wardian case which was filled with living plants of oranges and Pit- 


14 


tosporum in pots. Large numbers of Icerya were placed in this, and 
such larvie as were found feeding upon them, including some of a Scym- 
nus* (Fig. 5), ouly occasionally found with Icerya, yet very abundant on 
various Eucalyptus seales, especialiy on Hriococcus 
eucalypti. Of this I sent large numbers to California 
in my later shipments, as they were easily collected 
by the hundreds under bark of Eucalyptus infested 
with this Hriococeus. Mr. F. M. Webster brought 
me the same insect in numbers from Tasinania, to- 
ie gether with the EHriococcus on Eucalyptus. The 
Fic. 5.—Seynnixs restitu. Object of this was to have the Lestophonus go on 

tor—enlarged (original). ° See 2 
breeding within the case during the voyage. No 

doubt many infested scales arrived in Los Angeles. 

I found on examining the tree, on April 12, 1889, under which this 
case had been placed with a tent overit, that from several of the Iceryas 
the Lestophonus bad issued. This case, as Mr. Coquillett informed me 
in letter of November 30, arrived in good condition, except that the 
putty had been knocked off in several places, leaving holes large enough 
for the parasites to escape. Before opening the case he found two coc- 
cinellid larve crawling on the outside, and these when placed with 
the Icerya attacked it at once. He further said that there were only 
about half a dozen living Chrysopa adults. This would show that the 
Lestophonus was still issuing on arrival in California and all turned out 
more favorably than I had anticipated on seeing the box handled in 
such a rough manner by the steamer hands at Sydney, to which point 
I accompanied this as well as allthe subsequent shipments. I expected 
little good would come out of this method of sending and therefore con- 
cluded to send only small parcels on ice thereafter, as had been partly 
done at first. If once the insects could be placed in good condition in 
the ice-house on the steamer just before leaving, where a temperature 
of 38° Fah. at first and about 46° Fah. on arrival in San Francisco 
existed, they must arrive safely. To accomplish this, the parasites with 
their hosts were all collected the last three days before leaving Ade- 
laide, and on arriving home were immediately placed in a cool cellar. 
On the trip from Adelaide to Sydney, which takes two days by train, 
my insects came generally in an ice-box on the sleeping-car. 

On November 2 I made a trip to Gordon, 11 miles north of Sydney, 
Mr. James Harold, agricultural reporter of the Town and Country 
Journal, Sydney, having furnished me with the address of a prominent 
fruit-grower there. Mr. Harold has traveled much over Australia 
gathering information for his paper, yet, as he assured me, he never met 
with an icerya. The same answer was received from the gentleman at 
Gordon, who has been living in the colony for thirty-four years and has 
raised oranges for thirty-two years. He knew only the three scales upon 


* Dr, Sharp has since described this as Scymnus restitutor (Insect Life, P 364). 


15 


oranges, viz: Lecanium olee (Fig. 6) andthe Mytilaspis and Aspidiotus 
aurantit. This latter is not doing any serious damage to his trees, pro- 
viding they are well taken care of, yet he assured me that in some parts 
of the colony it is impossible to raise oranges on account of the ravages 
of this scale. For the Mytilaspis he uses sulphur and lime as a wash, 
applying it with a paint brush. This he claims need only be repeated 
every three years, as during this time the trees remain comparatively 
free. The mixture is prepared in the following way : 

Unslacked lime, two parts; sulphur, one part; water is poured on this 
in sufficient quantities to boil and unite with it. It is applied as a 
white-wash tothe trees and to prevent injury should not be too strong 


Fic. 6.—Lecanium ole: 1, adult females on olive leaves—natural size; la, female—enlarged (after 
Comstock). 
Besides the scales, an Aphis appears occasionally on orange and peach 
trees. Two beetles are numerous and destructive to the melon vines 
here. One of them found at the time is a Diabrotica, often received by 
Mr. Crawford, of Adelaide, as doing great injury to the melon tribe. 
This gentleman, however, claims that all injury can be avoided by dust- 
ing powdered lime over the plants. The beetles, he said, will not at- 
‘tack leaves thus treated. I found here, as well as all over Australia 
and New Zealand, the Woolly-Aphis (Schizoneura lanigera), yet they 
could be seen only on tbe branches, as allor nearly all the apples raised 
in the colonies and New Zealand are said to be grafted on blight-proof 


16 


stock. For this purpose, the Northern Spy of our continent is consid- 
ered the best; next comes the Majetin, as Mr. Will, of Auckland, in- 
formed me. The Irish peach was standing completely free of Aphis 
between badly infested trees. A large number of blight-proof trees 
are sold by nurserymen in Australia and New Zealand, and only such 
are planted in these countries as far as the roots are concerned. Mr. 
Will said that the Northern Spy will produce the best roots ; on this is 
evafted the Majetin as the stem, and any desired 
variety may be selected for the upper part or 
branches. At this place | observed a small 
black and lemon-yellow lady-bird (Fig. 7) feeding 
upon the Woolly-Aphis; the same was also ob- 
served at Toowoomba, Queensland, under similar 
circumstances.* I did not meet with it outside of 
these places. No Icerya could be found on the 
orange trees, but the same day, two young spec- 
Fic. 7.—Lady-bird feedingon jmens were found in the woods, about 2 miles 

Woolly Aphis—enlar ged Z > 

(original). distant, one of them on a pea-vine and the 
second on aspecies of Salix, both near the ground. 

November 5 I visited Mr. Joseph Purser at Castle Hill, to the west 
of Sydney, also a prominent fruit-grower. No Icerya were found on the 
numerous orange trees at this place. Mr. Purser reports having met 
with an occasional specimen only on his orange trees, never more than 
half adozen. A short distance from the orchard I noticed a small pond 
on the edge of which were growing a few small bushes of Acacia. On 
examination I found two large Iceryas with egg sacs and several empty 
skins of scales. Mr. Purser informed me that in former years he has 
often seen the scales upon trees growing along river banks. During this 
same day, while searching through the bush, I found upon the needle- 
bush Hakia acicularis, growing amongst numerous Acacia longifolia, a 
well developed Icerya fastened to the main stem. A careful search 
was made on all the plants growing there, yet with the exception of a 
peculiar Ccelostoma upon Acacia, no scales could be found. One speci- 
men of Icerya was found on this Acacia at the botanical gardens in 
Adelaide. Mr. Purser, who is also much troubled with the Mytilaspis 
mentioned, used as a remedy kerosene-tar, | pint; soft-soap, 3 pounds; 
sulphur, 5 pounds. These are boiled in 10 gailons of water and the 
trees washed with this mixture with a paint-brush, only the trunk and 
larger limbs being treated. The gentleman claims that all the scales 
on trees so treated will be killed and the trees will remain free from 
scales from seven to nine years. 

I returned to Adelaide on November 8, as I considered that the best 
field to obtain the material. On the 15th a trip was made about 300 
miles negth of Adelaide, but I found nothing of interest in the insect 
line on- this journey, with the exception along the road of large, num- 


* This species has been sent abroad for determination,—C, V. R, 


= 


17 


bers of locusts traveling south in search of food, nothing being left for 


them in the interior to feed upon. The country around Quorn was so 
dry and hot that some Eucalyptus rostrata in a dry river-bed were all 
the green vegetation that could be seen, and the locusts still met with 
were unable to feed. Finding the search for Icerya in this district use- 
less, I returned to Adelaide, where subsequently new colonies were 
discovered for shipment. In conversation about the grasshoppers en 
route, a gentleman remarked that only in such unusually dry seasons 
as the present would the locusts migrate, there being no food left for 
them in the interior of South Australia. Those around Quorn, he re- 
marked, leit in a southeasterly direction down the valley toward Ade- 
laide, while those coming from the interior went towards Spencer’s 
Gulf. On my trip I observed them most abundantly about Black Rock 
traveling south, not in clouds but scattered and never very high, simi- 
lar to our Caloptenus devastator in California in 1885.* : 
November 29 I began collecting material for my second shipment. 
Already on some of the trees, well exposed to sun, about 90 per cent. 
of the flies had left the scales, while on the trees in more shady places 
more than half of the parasites were still within their hosts. Nota 
single fly was observed, and yet they must have been about in large 
numbers. Instead of this, I noticed sitting and walking about the 
scales a peculiar Chalcidt (Fig. 8); this was suspected to be a secondary 


“ny oF, 
“14, ye 
Wt tittegettpe nse’ / 
Ay 


Vd) 


Fic. &.—Euryischia lestophoni, dorsal and side views—enlarged (after Riley.) 


parasite, and during the day I noticed them ovipositing in the infested 
Iceryas. The Lady-birds were at that time quite abundant in egg, 
larva, pupa, and imago states, and special pains were taken not to 
miss any of these during the collecting. The following four days were 


“We have sent specimens of this locust to \. Henri de Saussure, of Geneva, Switz- 
erland, for determination, but at the date of going to press have not received his 
reply.—C. V. R. 

t This is the species referred to in our annual report for 1888, p. 92, under the MS. 
name Huryischia lestophoni.—C. V. R. 


14134—No, 21——2 


18 ‘ 


spent in gathering Icerya and its enemies. Many of the secondary par- 
asites were again noticed, yet not a single Lestophonus. I gathered 
during this time probably six thousand scales, and hardly a specimen 
was noticed among them that was not parasitized by the Lestophonus. 
All of them contained either puparia of the fly or empty holes where the 
flies had issued. Knowing that if we should introduce the secondary 
parasite the good work of Lestophonus on Icerya would be greatly re- 
stricted, I sent the following notice to Mr. Coquillett, and also to your 
office. 

On account of a parasite of Lestophonus iceryw, remove the infested scales that I 
send from the tree they were placed on, after six weeks, and transfer into large glass 
jars; examine daily by stupetying the insects that have issued, with chloroform or 
ether, empty contents on table, pick out the flies and destroy their parasites. Form 
anew colony with every consigument you receive. 

In your letter of January 3 in regard to this secondary parasite you 
wrote: 

The parasite bred from Kermes and the one from confined Jeerya and which you 
think to be parasitic upon Lestophonus are different species of the same genus. The 
genus is an entirely new one belonging to the Chalcid subfamily Llasminew. This sub- 
family is an extremely interesting one, and up to the present time has contained only 
the typical genus Elasmus, so that this finding of a new genus is important. Hlasmus 
contains both secondary and primary parasites, so that it will be necessary to secure 
pretty good evidence regarding this new form before we can accept it as either one 
or the other. 

From seventy-five specimens of Kermes no Lestophonus was bred. On 
the 26th I left Adelaide on my way to Sydney, with what I considered 
even a better shipment than the first. Unfortunately this lot arrived 
in a bad condition at San Francisco, owing to a gale on the route when 
the parcels fell off the shelving in the ice-house, in which they had 
been placed, and most of them were crushed by cakes of ice falling on 
them. In my opinion, even such severe treatment as this would not 
destroy so very many of the pup of Lestophonus, which are not soft, 
and if crushed out of the scale wili produce flies if properly taken 
care of later, as I had ample opportunity to observe while in Australia. 

Among this lot of things were also about fifteen hundred eggs of the 
Chrysopa which were collected on Kangaroo Acacia (A. armata) infested 
by a Dactylopius, which is often taken to be Icerya. The scale is some- 
times so abundant that the plants are entirely covered with it. This 
was the case during my visit, and, as Mr. Crawford informed me, also in 
1882. Mr. Maskell, to whom specimens were forwarded by Mr. Craw- 
ford, said that the insect belongs to the Dactylopinw. The eggs of the 
Chrysopa were so abundant that often from twenty to thirty could be 
counted on a single small outer branch of a few inches in length, yet 
many of these had already hatched. The number of Lady-birds in all 
stages sent with this lot amounted to several hundred. The weather 
was unusually hot during two days of collecting, the thermometer regis- 
tered 108° Fah. in the shade, and from one small box left in room 
over night, where the temperature had not been below 90° Fah., about 


eo 


‘fifty of the flies issued during the night and early morning. They 
were crawling on the window at 6a.m. Many more were found within 
the box, with wings not yet developed. 

I returned again to Adelaide within four days, the time taken in 
making the trip. I wrote to the United States consular agent, Mr. 
George Harris, at Brisbane, Queensland, te ascertain forme the occur- 
rence of Icerya in that district. Through the department of ‘orestry 
at Adelaide I was informed that Icerya existed at Stansbury, on the 
Yorka Peninsula, at the place of Mr.F. Wurm. Accordingly a trip was 
made across the water on October 1, and I was kindly and hospitably 
received by Mr. Wurm. That gentleman showed me a small orange- 
tree completely covered with Icerya, but aside from this, not a single 
specimen could be found for miles around, nor had they ever been ob- 
served before this. The tree infested with the scales was completely 
covered with a small black ant, so much so that several conld be count- 
ed upon each of the scales at the same time. Upon examination only 
two specimens of the Icerya were found to be parasitized by the Les- 
tophonus, and these had already left. No doubt the abundance of the 
ants upon the scales prevented the flies from ovipositing. I recom- 
mended keeping the ants off the tree as the scales would then dis- 
appear. 

How often must the mother flies have been hovering over this young 
tree in their attempt to lay eggs, and how many of them must have 
been carried off as food for the young of the industrious ants! Mr. 
Wurm also informed me that Icerya had been fouud by him upon the 
roots of black grass. On examination, however, this proved to be an 
entirely different coccid, Lecanium ole, which had found its way to 
this place in small colonies on olive-trees. The cut-worms had done 
considerable damage to fruit-trees, grape-vines, aud other vegetation 
during November. Some of the apple-trees were completely stripped 
of their foliage. Melolonthid larvee had been very injurious to the 
wheat crop by eating the roots.* The common grasshopper was also in 
abundance here.t+ 

On December 6, from four large specimens of Icerya that had been 
inclosed, thirty-four flies (Lestophonus) and five parasites of the latter 
had issued. I examined condition of Icerya on place from which last 
sending was made, and from which nearly every one of the old and 
infested scales had been removed, the trees at the time being full of 
large Iceryas; yet at this date but very few of them were left, the coc-_ 
cinellid larvee and the Chrysopa in conjunction doing good work, eat- 
ing, no doubt, the healthy as well as the infested scales. Some of them 
had apparently gone through second molt, yet the greater part were 


* Three species of Melolonthid beetles were collected at this point by Mr. Koebele, 
and being unknown to our fauna will have to be carefully studied for determination. 
—C. V.R. 


t The same undetermined species referred to on p. 17. 


20 


still in the first stage. Only very small larve of the Lestophonus were 
found within seales after first and second molts. Within a uearly full- 
grown specimen on trunk of lemon-tree, the only large one found there, 
two larve of the fly were nearly full-grown. 

I left on December 10 for Melbourne, seeing that it was necessary to - 
hunt up a new field. There I had hopes of gathering a sufficient quan- 
tity for a shipment. The largest colony I was able to discover at Mel- ~ 
bourne existed in a church-yard on Collins street, upon small trees of 
Pittosporum undulatum. Icould not find the proper person to apply to 
for admittance, and a policeman whom I consulted in regard to getting 
the tempting specimens advised me ‘‘not to jump from the fence as 
they surely would have me arrested.” 


I left them undisturbed and went in search of others. A few speci- 
mens existed in the gardens of the government buildings; an occa- 
sional specimen in the park adjoining the Exposition grounds ; some on 
a hedge in front of a hotel, and single specimens were found on trees 
in a park at St. Kilda, while at the same place on a garden hedge quite 
anumber were found; all these on Pittosporum undulatum and P. (engeni- 
oides?), At the last-named place the lady-birds were found at work, 
and all were gathered later for shipment. I went east of Melbourne as 
far as Bairnsdale, yet no Icerya could be found. <A strong attempt 
was made to find out the whereabouts of the Monophlcebids of which 
Mr. Crawford had sent specimens to California. They could not be dis- 
covered in numbers in the woods, yet in the parks at St. Kilda I was 
soon rewarded. by finding the insects looked for, viz.: Monophlebus 
crawfordi Maskell (Fig. 9), under loose bark of various Kucalypti, em- 
bedded in cottony matter, and the single, (often 2 inches) long, white, 
setous, anal hairs sticking out.* Only a few dozen of the monstrous 
scales, however, could be gathered in a bard day’s work. Up in the tree- 
tops I often found a similar Monophlebid, only varying in color some- 
what. It is as large, or even larger, than M. crawfordi, and sits fast- 
ened to the branches and exposed without any cottony attachments, 
although sometimes under chips of bark. 

On my way home in the evening one of these scales came hurriedly 
running down on the trunk of a tree. So the next day, at the northern 
park at Melbourne, the ground at the base of the Eucalypti was ex- 
amined. Here I found, sometimes lying loose on top and dead (in this 
case always destroyed by Lestophonus) and below ground to a depth of 
3 inches, in a small cave nicely embedded in loose cottony matter if 
healthy, or generally mixed up with the ground if parasitized, large 
numbers of these scales. These, Mr. Coquillett informed me on my re- 
turn to Los Angeles in April, gave the best results in Lestophonus, as 
these parasites were still issuing then, four months after they were col- 


*Not mentioned in the description of Monophlabus crawfordi. See “On some New 
South Australian Coccidie,” by W. M. Maskell. (From the Transactions of the Royal 
Society of South Australia 1888.)—A. K. + 


21 


lected. I have counted as many as sixty-two holes in one of these 
scales, showing what a number of parasites they are able to support. A 
third species of these large Coccids was found attached to the roots and 
base of Eucalyptus below ground, even larger than the two preceding. 
Abort forty specimens of these produced no parasites.. One specimen, 
probably of this latter species, was found embedded under bark between 
the forks of a very large Eucalyptus about 8 feet from the ground. This 
measured fully 1 inch in length, and was about two-thirds as broad, 
being nearly round. 


: say UE 


Fic. 9.—Monophlebus crawfordi: a, female from above; b, same from below—enlarged; c, antenna; 
d, tarsus of same—still more enlarged (original). 


I lett for Sydney on the 24th to place the insects in an ice-house previ- 
ous to shipment. In the meantime a letter had been received from Bris- 
bane stating that Icerya occurred there occasionally in numbers, and 
having had a letter from you in which you expressed the hope that I 
would be able to visit Mr. Carl H. Hartmann, a correspondent of yours 
at Toowoomba, who had found Icerya on his oranges in 1886, I started 
for Queensland on December 29 and arrived at Toowoomba early on 
January 1,1889, During the same day a full-grown female Icerya was 
discovered in the woods about three miles from this place on Acacia 
decurrens. During a search of several hours no other specimens were 
found. I visited the Range nursery the following day and met the son 
and the brother of Mr. Hartmann, who himself had died from the effects 


- 


22 


of fever contracted while on a scientific trip to New Guinea. I also 
met the man who had been employed at the time in 1886 when Mr. Hart- 
mann received an illustration from Brisbane of Icerya,and directed him 
to look over the trees for specimens, when several scales were found. 
Since then, however, none have been found. While looking over the 
‘lemon and orange trees I found one single nearly full-grown specimen, 
but aside from this no trace of them. A peculiar Coccid resembling 
Icerya somewhat in structare was found on an apple-tree. The gentle- 
man informed me that Icerya was always most noticeable in wet seasons, 
but that it never appeared in such numbers as to be injurious. | 

I found here in abundance the large hemipterous insect so destruct- 
ive to the orange in Queensland and New South Wales. A second 
species Somewhat smaller than this, yet equally mischievous, was found | 
at Adelaide (Fig. 10). Trees were observed at this place with all the 
fruit and most of the young 
shoots destroyed. Both spe- 
cies live and grow upon the 
sap of fruit and tender 
twigs.* Aspidiotus aurantii 
was present here in numbers 
and also Lecanium olec, both 
upon oranges; the latter, 
however, is kept well in 
ay ‘1 ee ee check by a _ lepidopterous 

fJana—natural size (Noctuid) larva, Thalpochares 

Seal). cocciphaga, Meyrick (Fig. 11). 
Several young orange trees had been completely cleaned by larvee, and 
eight chrysalids were found upon a young plant. Mr. H. Hartmann 
also informed me that near Brisbane a dipterous larva existed which 
occasionally destroyed all the orange crops, and in 18%6, which was a 
very wet season, a dipterous larva destroyed not only all the oranges 
but also nearly all the other fruits, even the apples and pears. He also 
gave me the following list as blight-proof apple-trees: ‘Northern Spy, 
Majetin, Irish Peach, Streaked Peach, Hartmann’s Seedlings Nos. 1 and 
5, New England Pigeon, Shepherd’s Perfection, Chubb’s Seedling, Can- 
vade, Flushed Peach.” 

On January 5, having obtained free passes for the Queensland rail- 
ways, I left Toowoomba for Brisbane. On my arrival at the hotel I met 
with specimens of Icerya on an ornamental plant in the passage-way. 
This and a few other specimens found in gardens through the city were 
all I could find, yet in damp seasons they occur sometimes in numbers, 
as I learned from several gentlemen acquainted with the insect. 

Mr. Henry Tryon, assistant curator of the Museum, kindly introduced 
me to several persons in Brisbane. He himself was about to publish a 


Fic. 11.—Thalpochares cocciphaga— 
slightly enlarged (original). 


*The second of these insects is Mictis profana Fabr., and the other is a species of 
Aspongopus.—C. V. R. 


23 


paper on Icerya and its parasites, of which he has shown me a small Chal- 
eid of which he bred several specimens from Icerya inclosed in paper 
box, saying it was a true parasite.* I bred this same insect from a few 
specimens of an Icerya sent to me by Dr. Bancroft, of Brisbane, as feed- 
ing upon mangrove tree (Avicennia officinalis, Linn.). This scale dif- 
fers in coloration from the true I. purchasi and may prove to be a new 
species. Mr. Maskell, to whom the insect was shown, thinks it only a 
variety. It would be an interesting one, however, for of all the J. 
purchasi that I have seen, none show such a uniform bright yellow 
color. No specimens found on mangrove at Auckland show such 
bright yellow color. Mr. Tryon is of the opinion that Icerya originated 
in China, from the fact that nearly all specimens he found at Brisbane 
wereupon plants from that country. Dr. Bancroft, in his paper on 
Coccide (Philosophical Society of Queensland, vol. 1, August, 1869), 
referred to the then undescribed Icerya, and at that time, asheassured 
me, he had been acquainted with the insect for several years. The 
doctor further mentioned the occurrence of a scale on the sugar-cane 
in Queensland living on the roots of the young plants, and as these be- 
came larger, behind the leaves. It had been imported with the canes 
from Mauritius. He promised to secure specimens for me. No doubt 
this will prove to be J. sacchari.t 

In the woods around Brisbane but few Coccids were found during my 
brief stay. The white waxy scale (Ceroplastes) so abundant on various 
plants in cultivation was here observed in large numbers upon a small 
shrub. Of the Monophlebus, which I had been informed was almost 
always numerous around Brisbane, only an occasional specimen could 
be found. Everything was so extremely dry that I gave up my in- 
tended trip by steamer further north, and as there was little prospect 
of obtaining sufficient material for a shipment at this place, I returned 
slowly towards Melbourne, making occasional stops along the road, yet 
without discovering any Icerya. At Melbourne I was fortunate in finding 
many more of the Monophlebus, On a few trees, under the bark, they 
occurred by the dozens, often many together, but they were all dried up 
and the flies had left sometime previous. Those in ground were still 
in good condition. A large number of them had deposited their eggs 
and were shriveled up, yet during the two days a fair number were found 
parasitized. At Sydney, January 21 to 23, a number of Iceryas with 
parasites, and probably two hundred or more of the Lady-birds in all 


*Mr. Tryon has recently published in a pamphlet entitled “ Report on Insect and 
Fungus Pests, No. 1,” a general description of this parasite, but without attempt to 
name or properly place it. From the description it seems to be identical with a true 
parasite of Icerya, which we have received from Mr. Crawford, and which we have 
characterized, since the above was in type, as Ophelosia crawfordi, n. g., 1. sp.—C. 
V. RR. 

t We find among Mr. Koebele’s Brisbane material a small Coccinellid not here re- 
ferred to, but which is labeled ‘‘ feeding on Icerya.” It may be the species referred 
to in the following paragraph, as found at Sydney, and must remain for the present 
undetermined.—C. V. R. 


24 


‘ 


stages, were collected, most of them inthe Town Hall garden. I found 
here also feeding upon the Seales a few specimens of a small Seymnus 
in all its stages which were inclosed. The first brood of Iceryas in 
warm and exposed places at Syduey had by this time become nearly 
grown, some of them beginning to exude cottony matter, while others 
in more secluded spots were quite small. The isolated acacia tree, so 
full of Icerya in ‘September, had become entirely clear, nothing but a 
few old and torn egg-masses being visible. With this I finished col- 
lecting the parasites and enemies of Icerya in Australia, as from letters 
received from Mr. Crawford, at Adelaide, dated January 11 and 12, there 
was little hope of obtaining sufficient materiai at that place for another 
consignment, nor would it have paid to search for Monophlebus in the 
ground, as at the time they could not be found in large numbers in the 
woods. Moreover, many of their parasites had already left, while the 
Icerya still known to me at Melbourne and Sydney were not sufficient 
to make a good shipment. 

A letter received at this time from you in which you directed me to 
visit New Zealand and study Icerya there until the arrival of the next 
steamer for San Francisco, in case the exposition commission would pay 
expenses, was shown to Hon. Frank McCoppin, who at once consented to 
my proposed trip. I therefore left Sydney on the steamer of January 23 
with some hope of clearing up the mysterious disappearance of Icerya 
in New Zealand. Arrived at Auckland on the 28th, the Seales with 
parasites and Lady-birds were repacked from tin into wooden boxes, and 
were found in excellent condition. Everything within the tin boxes had 
the appearance of being placed there only a few hours previous. There 
was no indication of any mold. Some fresh Iceryas found in a private 
garden at Auckland, on Acacia decurrens, were inclosed as food for the 
Lady-bird larve. These latter Scales were in a small colony all close 
together ov a few small branches, and numbered about eight hundred 
specimens. No insects preying upon them were found. At the United 
States consulate a letter was found awaiting me from Mr. R. Allan 
Wight, dated October 10, 1888, in which the writer mentioned various 
localities infested with Icerya, wishing me to visit Hawke’s Bay, at 
Napier, where the Scales were still numerous, although fast disappear- 
ing, and where a good field for observation would be open. I therefore 
left Auckland on January 30, overland, the New Zealand Government, 
through our consul, having furnished me with a free pass for four 
months. On this trip not many observations could be made. 

The Cabbage Aphis was found in large numbers all over the northern 
island of New Zealand as wellasin Australia. A Coccinellid was found 
subsequently at Napier feeding upon this Aphis in large numbers. It 
is described by Mr. W. Colenso as C. nova zealandica (Fig. 12). About 
fifty specimens of these were collected and placed in empty pill-boxes. Of 
these twenty-one were still living on my arrival at Alameda, where they 
were liberated. A second species was found feeding upon the Aphis in 


— — 


25 


small numbers; this is 0. tasmanii(Fig. 13). The Cabbage Plutella ( Plu- 
tella cruciferarum Zell.) was here as well as all over Australia, observed 
tobe very abundant. Mr. French, of Melbourne, had a specimen on exhi- 
bition with the name of *‘ Plusia crucifera” as injurious to cabbage. The 
small Tineid, so destructive to potatoes in California, and no doubt 
already distributed over the most of the Western States, has been known 
in New Zealand for years, and it is doing the same mischief all over 
Australia, where it originated. In conversation with a merchant from 
Denver, Colo., recently, he said that a year ago he received three car- 
loads of California potatoes, infested with these worms to such a de. 
gree that they could not be sold. I also met here, wherever apples are 
grown, with what is probably Vytilaspis pomorum Bouché, the species 
previously referred to as such. 


Fic. 12.—Coccinella nova-zealandica, Jarva and adult— Fic. 13.—Coccinella tasmanit, 
enlarged (original). adult—enlarged (original). 


Mr. A. Hamilton, curator of the museum at Napier, who had been 
informed by Mr. Wight of my intended trip, awaited me and at once 
showed me a number of infested Acacia trees. Icerya was here still in 
countless numbers. Before breakfast the next morning this gentleman 
showed me one of the Australian Lady-birds,* saying that he found it 
among Icerya. On investigation they were found in large numbers in 
every place visited at Napier and several miles out in the country. I 
left Napier for Wellington on the 11th to visit Mr. Maskell. This gen- 
tleman had never had the opportunity of studying the enemies of Icerya, 
as the scales are not found anywhere within 80 miles of Wellington. It 
had been the firm belief of some persons in New Zealand that certain 
Ichneumonids were the destroyers of the Scales. I saw dozens of sev- 
eral species of these upon one orange tree infested with Icerya near 
Napier, not injuring them in any way, but devouring the sweet exuda- 
tion from them. Larger numbers of flies were present than Ichneu- 
monide, and even Crambidze were engaged in the same perform-’ 
ance, yet these received no sbarein the compliments. Mr. Maskell had 
received from the Cape of Good Hope about two hundred specimens 
of several species of Coccinellids, which, as the sender informed him, 


*Vedalia cardinalis Muls.—C. V. R. 


26 


were all preying upon Icerya. They were sent to Nelson and placed 
under tent with the Scales. A few days later, how- 
ever, the wind took away the tent and nothing more 
has been seen sinee of the Coccinellids. Several 
species of these beetles which Mr. Maskell kindly 
presented me with were left with you at Washington. 
Amongst them I could not find the Rodolia icerye, 
ee tre ed Janson (Fig. 14), which is destroying the Scales at the 
ye—eularsd (ater Cape and, with the possible exception of one species, 
Bley) - I do not think they will feed upon Icerya. 

My time was too short to visit Nelson, and Mr. Maskell kindly promised 
to secure for me a box full of scales from that district, so as to enable 
me to find out whether some parasites or enemies existed there. This 
box was sent to me on board the steamer at Auckland and, on opening 
the same, several flies were found that had issued en route. Only one 
of them was in perfect condition ; all the others were crippled. They 
had crawled in among the paper used in making up the parcel. No 
other specimeus were bred and no holes were observed in the scales, so 
the only possibility remains in the larva of this fly being predaceous 
upon the eggs of Icerya. Apart from these flies no other insects were 
observed from the Nelson Scales. On my return to Napier I got at once 
to work gathering the Coccinellids in all stages. They were in such 
numbers that I found it not very difficult to collect here about six 
thousand specimens during the three days (February 14 to 16). As 
many as eight eggs of the Lady-bird were observed on the upper side 
of the female Icerya just beginning to exude cottony matter. Oppo- 
site to this on the small branch of Acacia, five young larvee of the 
Lady-bird were feeding on the under side of a half-grown scale; in one 
instance even nine Coccinellid larve were found attached to a small 
Icerya. The mature beetles were not numerous, 
but every branch full of scales had a greater or 
less number of eggs and larve. The eggs are 
chiefly deposited among the vigorous half-grown 
scales. Here the largest number of the eggs and 
young larve were found. They are generally 
single, thrust in between the scales and fastened 
onto the branch, on the scale itself, and often on 
the under side of the scale, as the mother Lady- 

I bird will sometimes raise the Icerya with her hind 

Fig. 15.—Scymnus fagus—en- legs and thrust the egg under it. At times two 

bai det or more are found together, always lying flat and 

in irregular position. Aside from this valuable Coccinellid, a small 

Seymuus was observed here feeding upon the scales, but in small num- 

bers only. This was named for me later by Captain Broun, as Scymnus 
Fagus (Fig. 15). 

I left Napier with my valuable lot of Lady-birds on the 17th. They 


27 


were placed in the ice-house on the steamer, and as soon as Auckland 
was reached I went to the freezing- house and there my Coccinellids were 
placed in a cool room with a temperature of 35° Fah. Having been 
informed that Iceryas had been very numerous almost a year ago at a 
gentleman’s place near Lake Togabuna, several miles out of Auckland, 
a trip was made as soon as my Lady-birds were safe, for I was very 
anxious to get at the fact as to what had destroyed the Scales around Auck- 
land, and if it were not the same insect found at Napier. I was shown” 
a couple of Acacia trees, one of which had been destroyed by the Scales, 
and a second, still living, which had many Iceryas upon it. All the 
Scales on this small tree were examined, and, with the exception of a 
small Coleopterous larva within one of the egg-masses, no enemies could 
be observed. Both these trees were growing ainong old pine trees and 
were much shaded by them, in fact so much so that no sun-loving in- 
sect like the Lady-bird would venture into them. Close by about a 
dozen orange trees were growing in an open field, and on my inquiring 
if no Scales were upon these trees, the gentleman remarked that only 
about nine months since they were full of them, but that all had disap- 
peared. These I wanted to see, and on the first tree reached, while 
yet at some distance, I could see, exposed to the sun on the upper side 
of a leaf, a black glistening spot, which was the insect looked for, the 
Australian Lady-bird. On this tree more Coccinellids than [ceryas were 
‘found. The Lady-birds, if not at rest on top of a leaf in the hot sun, 
’ were busily running or flying about. This is an interesting fact. All 
the orange trees in the open field were completely cleaned of the thou- 
sands of Scales by the Coccinellids, while closely adjoining, among the 
dark and shady pines (Pinus insignis Douglas), a large Acacia tree 
(Acacia decurrens) was destroyed by the Seales, even the adjoining 
branches of the pine trees being dead, and, as stated by the proprietor, 
from the effects of Icerya. 

As yet the scales have not been observed to my knowledge on pine 
trees in California, yet Mr. Maskell also told me of having seen pine 
trees loaded with them. I observed here also an Aspidiotus very in- 
jurious to apple trees. The following day the place visited on my 
first arrival in Auckland was examined again, but only a few large 
females could be found. The young were just hatching, and many 
eggs were still present. Mr. Cheeseman had been informed by Mr. 
Purchas and others that Icerya existed abundantly in the woods at the 
English church cemetery (Paeroa), infesting Sophora tetraptera. He 
kindly accompanied me to the place, and before long pointed out the 
tree, which is closely related to the Acacias. We soon succeeded in 
finding the scales in large numbers on a few of the trees, when a care- 
ful investigation was made and a few specimens of the small Scymnus 
fagus were found. A small hemipterous insect was present among the 
ege-masses in all stages, the young being found within them, and two 
species of small spiders had built their houses among the egg-masses 


28 


also. From the many remains of the young Iceryas it was evident that 
they fed also on these. The Australian Coecinellid had not yet discov- 
ered this colony of scales, yet it must have existed here in numbers 
for at least four years. Only a few scattered specimens were found 
on other shrubs, but they had spread to the Mangrove bushes growing 
close by in large numbers. On this plant they thrive remarkably well. 

Captain Broun, at Drury, the authority on New Zealand Coleoptera, 
was visited and asked in regard to the Australian Lady-bird. He did 
not know the insect, nor had he ever met with it, but he had the small 
Scymnus fagus, which seems to be more widely spread and lives upon 
various Scales ; neither had he met with the common C. nova-zealandica 
which I found at Napier. During a ramble in the woods with the cap- 
tain I found a large Coccinellid in all stages feeding upon Cltenochiton 
viridis Maskell infesting Coprosma lucida. This Coccinellid was identi- 
fied by him as Leis antipodum Mulsant (Fig. 16). Upon the same tree was 
also found in abundance a second and smaller Seale of the same genus; 
this is C. perforatus. The captain kindly promised to send me a number 
of living specimens of the Coceinellid, and he kept his promise, though, 
unfortunately, the insect had become so rare that with assistance he 
was able to find only six specimens. These came in an ice-chamber well 
packed in a large box, but only one of them was living on arrival here. 


Fic, 16.— Leis antipodum, two varieties —enlarged (original.) 


On February 25 the steamer was ready to sail. Having made ar- 
rangements with the butcher on board the previous day as to the most 
convenient time of receiving my insects into the ice-house, they were 
transferred from the freezing-house on board the steamer, which did 
not take more than ten minutes, and the insects were not disturbed in 
their dormant stage during the time. Every day on the voyage I re- 
ceived the answer from the butcher, to my inquiries about the parcel, 
“Your bugs are all right.” On March 10, after leaving Honolulu, one 
of the boxes with the Lady-bird larvae was examined and found in ex- 
cellent condition; no dead lJarvee could be found among them, and this 
was twenty-four days after the first were collected. On Saturday eve- 
ning, March 16, we arrived at San Francisco, too late to have the in- 
sects forwarded, and I could not send them offdefore Monday evening, 
March 18. They were probably received and opened by Mr. Coquillett 
two days later. This would make, thirty-four days that they were in- 


— 


) 29 


closed, and yet they arrived in excellent condition, better than any pre- 
viously received. Having been on ice for twenty-nine days, no doubt 
many of the eggs arrived here before hatching, and the larve under 
such conditions would make little progress in their growth. 

As will be seen from these notes (and such is my firm belief), [cerya 
is indigenous to Australia, having spread from that country to the Cape 
of Good Hope, New Zealand, and our continent, and no doubt with some 
plants brought bere. The pursers on steamers running between San 
Francisco and Sydney informed me that with every trip a greater or 
less number of plants are brought over. On these no one would notice 
Icerya; even an expert would overlook a few of the tiny young scales 
if not especially searching for them. At the time Icerya was first ob- 
served here many oranges were brought over. Mr. Sutton, of the 
Alameda, informed me that in 1873 the entire market in San Francisco 
was supplied with Australian oranges. All this matters little. We 
have the pest, and now the most effective enemies of it. Before long 
the work of the latter will be appreciated all over the State. At this 
date small colonies of the Lady-birds lave been established in almost 
every district infested with Icerya, and at Los Angeles they must be 
present already by the thousands. 

It was difficult in Australia to ascertain which was the most effect- 


‘ive enemy of Icerya, on account of the searcity of the latter insect dur- 


ing the unusually dry season of my visit. It is safe to say, however, 
that the Lestophonids are always and at any time ready for any Icerya, 
since they breed upon so many and varied Scales infesting the Euea- 
lypti and Acacias, of which the Australian woods chiefly consist. 
Often Icerya will appear in large numbers in some private garden in a 
city, and yet, as I have been informed, they will be out of sight in a 
short time again. This entire clearing up is the work of the Lady- 
birds, for in most cases the infested scales will produce eggs, and the 
flies are never able to entirely clear a tree of them, in which case t!.e 
Lady-bird steps in and devours Scales, flies, and all. It is only in such 
protected places that the scales sometimes become numerous, as_ it 
takes time for their enemies to establish themselves. The Lestophonus 
no doubt would in time increase here so as to keep the Icerya in check, 
but this would be years, for only two broods of it were observed in 
Australia, as many as that of its host, the Icerya, the parasite appear- 
ing about the same time as the young of the latter. I have seen about 
eight species of Monophleebide upon which Lestophonus will undoubt- 
edly breed. , 

Dr. Diez, of the Adelaide Museum, has shown me several specimens 
of a species of these scales, which he assures me were fully 2 inches in 
length when received alive from the interior of South Australia. He 
had written to the party who sent them for information regarding the 
monstrous scale-bug, yet the only light he received upon the subject 
was that the discoverer of the Scale was found dead in the bush near 


30 


Baroota, and he assumes that they came from that district. Such a 
large Coccid would be able to support several hundred of the Lesto- 
phonus. I have also bred this fly from a species of Celostoma found 
on ashrab at Mount Lofty, South Australia, where two specimens of 
Icerya were found, both invested by Lestophonus on a species of Acacia. 
In California we have to my knowledge no Scales upon which this fly 
would breed, with the exception of Pulvinaria and Dactylopius. Of the 
latter there are many species found almost everywhere; a large species 
almost equal in size to Icerya exists upon our Redwood trees (Sequoia). 
This no doubt will in time be attacked by the flies. I have not the least 
doubt that in time this Lestophonus will do effective work upon Icerya 
even if slow (too slow for the Americans, as Mr. Wolfskill remarked). 
So far 1 have seen little progress of it. On my visit to Los Angeles (April 
12), it seemed that very few remained of the vast number of flies re- 
ceived here in good condition. AJIl had been placed under one tent, 
erected over a tree for the purpose of propagating, instead of forming 
a new colony with every consignment received; yet it is to be hoped 
that very many of the flies have escaped from the tent. 

As far as the Lady-bird is concerned it will show itseif, or rather has 
done so already. They never were found by the writer except feeding 
upon Icerya, aud yet there must surely exist in Australia some other 
scales upon which they feed. The work this little insect is able to accom- 
plish is shown by the fact that by chance it went over to Auckland, New 
Zealand, where the Icerya was in a flourishing state, having destroyed 
nearly everything about five years or so since, and there cleared nearly 
the whole district around Auckland within about two years. From here 
it has spread south as far as Hawk’s Bay without any artificial help, 
everywhere increasing in numbers as long as the food would last. I 
shall be greatly mistaken if this one insect alone is not master of the 
situation within two years’ time, although we have comparatively few 
to battle with. It will need thousands everywhere to clean up the mill- 
ions of scales. I has no time while in the field to study much of the 
life-history of this valuable insect. My first motto was always “get as 
many as possible.” If once established here, the life history may be 
studied at leisure. 

I will, however, relate part of the doings of one pair of these insects. 
On February.9 a few beetles and pup were collected in a glass jar. 
Two male Lady-birds were noticed running and pushing around one of 
the pup in which one of the female Lady-birds had just issued and 
was within the case with soft and tender wings and about helpless. Soon 
the male succeeded in pushing her out, and immediately after this had 
been accomplished, one of them united with her at about 3 p.m. This 
pair were placed in a small wooden box and they remained in copula 
until the following morning at 7. They were left in this box until 
February 17, when they were placed in a large jar with twigs of Acacia 
fullofIceryas. Noeggs were observed in the box, which was completely 


dl 


clean, with the exception of the numerous red spots produced by the 
Lady-bird, for they had subsisted on their owneggs during their confine- 
ment. As soon as the female Lady-bird was among the scales she be- 
came quiet, stopped, and deposited an egg upon the twig. As soon as 
this was done she turned around and devoured the same, which took 
her about a half a minute. A few moments were spent in cleaning her- 
self and then another egg was brought forth and eaten. After this and 
another wash she attacked and devoured a half grown scale. This was 
eaten into from the back, very quietly at first, yet in a little time she 
became lively, almost furious, tearing the scale off from its hold by the 
beak and turning it up and down in the air with the mouth-parts, as- 
sisting in this with the anterior legs. In about one minute this was 
devoured and nothing but the empty skin left, after which she went to 
work, business-like, and deposited eggs quietly, sitting at rest upon the 
scales, and every few minutes thrusting an egg in between or generally 
under them. A very large scale was lifted with the posterior legs and 
the egg thrust beneath. All the strong attempts at love affairs by the 
lively and not hungry male were resisted. I was careful to see that 
twigs with nothing but Icerya on them were selected for food; at least 
no young larve could be observed on them; yet the second day after 
the Coccinellids were placed in with them, young larve were seen, and 
they came out so fast that within a few days my jar was a living mass 
of them. 

On February 22 a few of the larve were full grown and settled down 
in a quiet place, fastening the ends of their bodies down with a thick 
and sticky substance and remaining in this way, becoming shorter and 
stouter, for four days. On the 25th the first pupa was observed; from 
this the mature beetle hatched in the evening of the 28th. Another 
appeared the following day. Again, on March 3, a pair of the bred 
Lady-birds were placed together, with clean food, and the next day, 
March 4, eggs were observed which hatched on the 8th. This I could 
not carry through, as the food began to dry up; in fact, on March 18, 
many grown and hungry larvie were devouring each other in this jar, 
and even the mother of them, which was still living, was noticed devour- 
ing one of her young, a larva. Three times, at intervals, this pair were 
_ observed in copulation. Eleven beetles of this last brood reached matu- 
rity, having had nothing to feed upon but one supply of scales that 
had already heen boxed up for eight days, the beetles having been born 
and forced to live upon one another. Taking four days for the eggs to 
hatch, about eight days for the larve to grow, three days until pupa- 
ting, and four days more for the pupa to emerge, this would only make 
nineteen days from the egg tothe mature insect, providing the weather 
is warm. No doubt we will see cases where, in less time than this, 
all the stages are gone through at Los Angeles in hot weather, and we 
may expect at least fifteen broods annually of this insect to two of 
Icerya. 


32 


Another most important insect is the moth Thalpochares cocciphaga 
Meyrick. It is greatly to be hoped that this insect will be introduced 
here. I have been able to get about a hundred larvee here in good con- 
dition, yet what became of them Iam not able to state as yet. The 
insect is apparently easy to breed. Five of the larvae were placed in a 
pill-box in the field during January and overlooked. During April, on 
opening the box at Alameda, I found that four of the moths had issued, 
copulated, and deposited many eggs. The young larvie, however, had 
already left the box and no trace of them could be found. It would 
have been easy with the number received here, had a little care been 
bestowed upon them, to breed and introduce them upon most any of 
our larger Scales. 

The Chrysopa, of which eggs and larvee were sent over with every 
shipment, excepting the last, have been successfully introduced. In 
April, while in Los Angeles, several of the insects were noticed upon 
orange trees in Mr. Wolfskill’s orchard. 

Several species of Scymnus, about six in number, that were sent, all 
live upon Coccide. The largest of them was abundant in Brisbane upon 
various soft scales, and was also found at this place upon Icerya. 

Mr. Webster brought to me from Tasmania a box full of Eucalyptus 
twigs with Hriococcus eucalypi, the Scymnus so numerous at Melbourne, 
and sent here in numbers, together with two small moths, a Pyralid and 
a Tineid, which were feeding upon the Yriococcus.* These, as all other 
insects, were turned over to Mr. Coquillett. Various other beneficial 
insects were observed during my four months’ work in Australia, all of 
which if introduced here would be of great value. One of these de- 
serves to be mentioned. It is one of the largest Lady-birds, and had 
cleaned. whole apple orchards of the Woolly Aphis in South Australia 
and Victoria. They were also observed to feed upon Lecanium. 

All material collected and studied in Australia relating to this sub- 
ject and otherwise of-importance will be mounted and sent to you with 
the notes thereon. 


*These moths we have no means of now determining, even if described. The 
Tineid much resembles Luclemensia bassettella of this country, and the other is a Phy- 
cid near Dakruma.—C. V. R. 


° 


—a 
1 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DEVES:ION-: OF EN LOMO LOGY. 


BULLETIN No. 21. 


(Revised Edition.) 


Pee be Gn). 


OF A 


gerere tO. Abr SPA LEA 


MADE UNDER DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST 


rO ENVESTIGATE THE 


Narurat ENEMIES oF THE F LUTED SCALE. 


ALBERT KOEBELE. 


(PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.) 
——_._+—_—> > -—_____— 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 


1890. 


Yeo UEPARIMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 21. 


(Revised Edition.) 


|p Shel ees © ial Sa 


OF A 


Pale Or SiR A ELA 


MADE UNDER DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST 


TO INVESTIGATE THE 


NATURAL ENEMIES OF THE FLUTED SCALE, 


BY 


ALBERT BORE. 


fe 2082 
‘MAR 28 | 90 


She as 
7HSewian OER 


(PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.) 


WesHiInGTon: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 


1890. 


o 


ws 


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Washington, D. C., November 22, 1889. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit for publication Bulletin No. 21 of 
this Division, being the report of Mr. Albert Koebele upon the Fluted 
Seale (Icerya purchasi Maskell) and its natural enemies in Australia. 
I had intended to incorporate it in my forthcoming annual report, but 
the limited space alloted to that report makes it necessary to publish 
this as a separate bulletin. 


Respectfully, 
€.. VV. RiLEy, 


Entomologist. 
Hon. J. M. RUSK, 
Secretary of Agriculture. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The following report by Mr. Albert Koebele, one of the California 
agents of the Division of Entomology, gives an account of his trip to 
Australia, made during the late summer and fall of 1888 and the winter 
of 188889, under instructions from this Department, for the purpose 
of investigating the Australian natural enemies of the Fluted Scale 
(Icerya purchasi Maskell) with a view to introducing the most efficient 
of them into California. 

Failing to secure a specific appropriation from Congress for this pur- 
pose, although assisted in the attempt by the California delegation, 
and particularly by the Hon. C. M. Felton, and failing also to secure 
the removal of the clause restricting travel to the limits of the United 
States, we were led to accomplish the result through the kindness of 
the Department of State, in connection with the Melbourne Exposition, 
an arrangement having been made whereby two of the salaried agents 
of the Division should be temporarily attached to the Commission, 
their expenses, outside the United States, to be defrayed by the Com- 
mission, within the sum of $2.000. The warm thanks of this Depart- 
ment are due to the Department of State for this codperation, and par- 
ticularly to the Hon. Frank McCoppin, commissioner-general to the 
Exposition, to whom the matter was submitted by the State Department 
for approval. Mr. McCoppin at once accepted the proposition, and 
upon Mr. Koebele’s arrival in Australia helped him in every way possi- 
ble to make the experiment successful. 

Mr. Koebele was sent, as just stated, for the specific purpose of study- 
ing and importing the natural enemies of the Fluted Scale, while the 
other agent, Mr. F. M. Webster, was sent to make a special report to 
the Commission on the agricultural features of the Exposition. Mr. 
Webster’s report has been sent to the Commission, and was formally 
submitted to Mr. McCoppin. A copy of the present report, although 
purely entomological, and having little relation tothe Exposition proper, 
has also been transmitted to Mr. McCoppin, as the results of the mis- 
sion are, and ever will be, connected with his exposition work. 

While a number of other entomological matters are referred to in the 
report, Mr. Koebele never lost sight of the main object of his mission. 
How successful it has proved late reports already published in INSECT 

5 


6 


LIFE, and elsewhere, have abundantly testified. They have more than 
justified the anticipations expressed in my last annual report: 

We fully expect to learn of the increase and rapid spread of this new introduction 
as well as some of the other predaceous species which have been introduced, and to 
find that in a comparatively few years the orange groves of southern California will 
be kept measurably freed of the pernicious Fluted Scale without so great an effort on 
the part of the growers or so great expense in destroying it. That nature will, with 
the new conditions induced by these importations, come to the relief of the fruit- 
grower, and that this interesting experiment will result in the ultimate saving of 
untold millions to the people of the Pacific Coast is our sincere belief which we hope 
to see verified. Not that we expect the Icerya to be ever entirely exterminated ; 
but it will be kept under subjection so as to be comparatively harmless, as it is in its 
native country. 

One of the insects imported, viz, the Cardinal Vedalia (Vedalia cardi- 
nalis Mulsant), has multiplied and increased to such an extentas to rid 
many of the orange groves from Icerya and to promise immunity in the 
near future for the entire State of California. In fact, the rapid multi- 
plication and the effective work of this little beetle are almost incom- 
prehensible until we come to consider its power of increase in a climate 
like that of southern California, where there is scarcely any cessation in 
its activities. 

A careful account of the transformations of the Vedalia has been pre- 
pared by Mr. Coquillett and was published in INSECT LIFE for Sep- 
tember, 1889, pages 70 to 74. I reproduce the figures in connection with 
Mr. Koebele’s report in order to familiarize those who have not yet seen 
it with its appearance. I have also had some other figures made to ac- 
company the report. 

The period from the laying of the eggs until the adults again appear 
occupies less than thirty days for the Vedalia. At this rate of increase, 
calculating that three hundred eggs are laid by each female, and that 
one half of these produce females, it will readily be seen that in six 
months the offspring of a single female beetle may under favorable cir- 
cumstances amount to over twenty-two trillions. So far it has not been 
noticed to prey upon any other insect than the Fluted Seale, a fact which 
accounts somewhat for its exceptionally rapid work and renders the 
outlook extremely encouraging. 

Uf the other enemies of the Icerya referred to and more particularly 
mentioned in the latter part of Mr. Koebele’s report, none of them have 
so far given much promise, and there is risk of their not being colonized 
by virtue of the extraordinary spread and increase of the Vedalia, 
which has swept away from whole regions the Fluted Scale, upon which 
they depend. This contingency should have been avoided and I very 
much regret that they have not become established in California, be- 
cause their establishment, and especially that of the little Dipteron, 
Cryptochetum icerye, would have helped in the general subjection of 
the pest and would be particularly valuable whenever the Vedalia, for 
whatever reason, at any time practically forsakes a given locality. 

Where possible 1 have endeavored by foot-notes to add to the specific 
accuracy of the insects referred to. 

C. V. RB. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


ALAMEDA, CAL., July 7, 1889. 

Sir: I herewith submit my reportupon the study of Icerya purchasi in 
Australia and New Zealand and the introduction of its parasites and 
enemies into California, undertaken under your direction and in ac- 
cordance with your letter of instructions. * 

Respectfully yours, 
ALBERT KOEBELE, 
Special Agent. 
Prot CoV. RILEY; 
U. S. Entomologist. 


*The following is extracted from the letter of instructions : 


WASHINGTON, July 3, 1888. 

* ** As you are already aware you are sent to Australia for the purpose of mak- 
ing an investigation of the parasites and other natural enemies of Icerya purchasi 
with a view of introducing them into California. It will be necessary for you to go to 
Adelaide to see Mr. Frazer 8, Crawford, who sent over the first Dipterous parasites 
and the Celostomas (or rather Monophlebus crawfordi). This Dipterous parasite has 
been named by Dr. Willsiton Lestophonus icerye, and at Adelaide you will probably 
be able to study this insect carefully. Make the most careful investigations where 
you can learn of the occurrence of Icerya, and find all of its natural enemies in Austra 
lia. Find out also the periods at which these parasites oviposit and ascertain the 
season at which success in importation will be most likely with each and all of them. 
Once on the ground you can see for yourself just what will be necessary to be done in 
order to bring about this result. You should also endeavor to place the Department 
in correspondence with as many observers as you can interest in the subject, and 
should by all means endeavor to get at least one man who will be able to devote some 
time to the matter and continue observations after you leave. It is barely possible 
that we may be able to re-imburse some such person for the time expended, but for 
this I will write you later, if indeed I do not see you personally in Australia in No- 
vember. You will, of course, inquire immediately upon arriving in Melbourne concern- 
ing the largest orange-growing districts in Australia, and also make inquiries as to the 
best places for observing Icerya, aside from Adelaide. If you will visit the Botanic 
Gardens in Melbourne you will be able to get some information there. Baron von 
Mueller, formerly director of the Botanic Gardens, is still a resident of that city and 
you will find him a very well-informed person to consult. I inclose you letters of in- 
troduction both to Mr. Crawford and Baron von Mueller. * * * 

On this trip your salary will be paid as usual by this Department, but your ex- 
penses by the Department of State through Mr. McCoppin. * * * 

7 


REPORT OF THE FLUTED SCALE OF THE ORANGE AND ITS 
NATURAL ENEMIES IN AUSTRALIA, 


By ALBERT KOEBELE. 


In accordance with the commission received from the Hon. Norman 
J. Colman, United States Commissioner of Agriculture, and your letter 
of July 3, 1888, I left San Francisco on August 25, and arrived at Auck- 
land, New Zealand, on September 14, where some hours were spentin get- 
ting information in regard to Icerya. I visited Mr. W. Will, editor of 
the New Zealand Herald and Auckland Weekly News, who then, and 
subsequently on my later visit, gave me valuable information in regard 
to the occurrence and disappearance of Icerya in the Auckland districts, 
as well as many other points of interest in horticulture ; and also Mr. T. 
F. Cheeseman, curator of the Auckland Museum, who readily accom- 
panied me to a place full of Albizzia (Acacia) lophantha, Bentham, which 
had been about three years previously completely covered with Icerya. 
I made a careful search for specimens on these trees, yet only four full- 
grown females with large egg-sacs could be found. On one of the scales 
two rather large mites were feeding, attached to the under side; and the 
masses of old and moldy remains of Icerya were still visible on the 
trunks of trees. 

A residence on which formerly were many orange trees was also vis- 
ited. ‘I‘here all of the trees had been cut down on account of the num- 
erous scales, and at the time of my visit no Icerya could be found and 
none were observed during the year as the proprietors informed me. 
No one was able to state the exact reason of the disappearance of the 
scales; some disease was the supposed cause. 

The steamer left Auckland the following day and arrived in Sydney, 
New South Wales, September 20. I remained there for four days in 
search of Icerya. On my first walk a number of them were discovered 
at the town hall premises, infesting a Pittosporum (P. wndulatum), and 
the succeeding days a few more were found in one of the public parks, 
also on this Pittosporum. A large isolated acacia tree full of the scales 
was found in front of a private house in the eastern part of Sydney; 
all were full-grown females with more or less developed egg-sacs and ap- 

9 


10 


parently in a healthy condition. As the trees infested were all inclosed, 
no proper examination could be made and the few obtained at the town 
hall showed no trace of parasites. A trip was also made to Parramatta, 
about 14 miles to the west of Sydney, to look into some of the orange 
orchards. I found nearly all the trees badly infested with the red-scale 
(Aspidiotus aurantii Maskell, Fig. 1), and still worse with what I con- 


Fig. 1.—Aspidiotus auwrantii Maskell: 1, scales on leaf of orange, natural size; 1a, adult male; 1b, 
scales of female; ic, scale of male—enlarged (after Comstock). 


sidered to be Mytilaspis gloverii Packard.* Indeed, some of the trees 
are completely covered by this latter scale, having the appearance of 
an old coat of whitewash on the bark which had partly fallen off. None 
of the several orange-growers there visited had ever seen ap Icerya or 
was familiar with the insect. I left Sydney on the 24th and arrived in 
Melbourne the following day, having in the meantime, through the 
kindness of the United States consul, obtained a free pass over the New 
South Wales Railway, which courtesy was shown me by all the colonies 
subsequently visited. Indeed, I can not speak too highly of the kind- 
ness Shown me by all the Government officials, and of the interest they 
took in the successful execution of my work. I remained in Melbourne 
for six days, during which time I visited Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, 
to whom you had given me letters of introduction. This gentleman 
assured ine that the Icerya never became extensively injurious in Aus- 


*A careful study of the pygidial characters of this scale shows it to be much nearer 
M. pomorum than M. gloverii. It seems, however, to be distinct from the former and 
will probably prove to be new. 


ie) 


tralia. Occasionally and in certain spots they became numerous, but 
always disappeared again. Ialso met Mr. C. French, Baron von Muel- 
ler’s assistant, who has had some experience in entomology. He 
claims that the scale has been known to him for thirty-four years, 
yet he has never seen it in large numbers. 

At the Zoological Gardens I found on a species of Eucalyptus a coc- 
cid in such numbers as to cover the under side of all the larger branches 
and the stem in part. Many of the winged males were secreted among 
the crevices of bark, with their two long white setous hairs protruding. 
Numerous larve of a coleopter were found under chips of bark feeding 
upon the scales, apparently belonging to some clerid. I never met 
with these larvee again in my later researches nor with the coccid men- 
tioned. A great variety of scales was observed at Melbourne; the 
most pernicious amongst them, a species of Aspidiotus, deserved atten- 
tion. This is A. rossi Crawford, figured on his plate 18 of the Coccide, 
but as yet no description has appeared to my knowledge. I have seen 
olive trees completely covered by this seale; it will attack almost any 
kind of tree or shrub as I later observed. Many of the shrubs in the 
Botanical Gardens in Melbourne infested by this scale were in a dying 
condition. .The introduction of this pest would be of serious conse- 
quence to the United States and we should be on our guard against 
this as well as a second species of waxy scale, probably a species of 
Ceroplastes. This last is covered by a thick, smooth, white, waxy mat- 
ter which effectually protects it. Nothing would destroy this scale, 
except remedies against the newly hatched larve, which, before they 
exude any wax, are easily killed. The insect was observed all over 
eastern Australia, and it was numerous in the Botanical Garden at Syd- 
ney and in the woods near Brisbane. At the Botanical Gardens they 
could find no remedy except cutting down the infested plants. I recom- 
mended a strong resin wash for the newly hatched larve. No Icerya 
could be found during my short stay at Melbourne. 

I arrived at Adelaide, South Australia, on October 2, with letters of 
introduction to Mr. Frazer 8S. Crawford, of the surveyor general’s office, 
who received me very kindly and promised me his assistance, which 
promise he honorably fulfiiled throughout my stay in Adelaide. I saw 
the man who discovered the parasites of Icerya (Lestophonus icerye), 
and, indeed, felt very bappy when he promised to show me a large col. 
ony of the scales on the following day. Early the next morning Mr. A. 
Molineux, agricultural editor of the South Australian Register and Ade- 
laide Observer, and proprietor of the Garden and Field, showed me about 
a dozen orange and lemon trees in a private garden in the suburbs of 
Adelaide all more or less infested with Icerya, and had been so for the 
previous two years. The scales were nearly all full grown, or rather 
nearly all of them had begun to exude cottony matter and deposit eggs, 
yet they were not quite so far advanced as those observed at Sydney. 

The very first scale examined contained nine pupe of the parasitic fly, 
Lestophonus, and the scale was still living. Nearly all of the many 


\ 


12 


others examined proved to have either larvz or puparia within them ; 
none of the flies had at that time made their appearance. I attended 
the gardeners’ meeting at Adelaide on October 6, in order to get infor- 
mation as to the occurrence of Icerya, yet but very few of the gentlemen 
were acquainted with the insect. To show how rare Icerya is in South 
Australia, Mr. J. G. O. Tepper, of the museum at Adelaide, a qualified 
entomologist, who has collected insects all his life, has known Icerya 
only for the last two years. He never met before this with any speci- 
mens in all his collecting trips through South Australia. On October 
15 I made a trip with Messrs. Crawford and Tepper to North Adelaide, 
where some Icerya were said to exist; we found there in one garden a 
few orange and lemon trees with the scales, which were subsequently 
collected for shipment. In another garden, and also on orange, an oc- 


Fic. 2.—Vedalia cardinalis: a, full grown larva; b, pupa, dorsal Fic. 3.—Vedalia cardi- 
view, inclosed iz last larval skin; c, pupa, naked, ventral view— nalis, adult—enlarged 
all enlarged (after Riley). (after Riley). 


casional specimen was found. I discovered there, for the first time, 
feeding upon a large female Icerya, the Lady-bird, which will become 
famed in the United States— Vedalia cardinalis (Figs. 2 and 3). I called 
the attention of both the gentlemen to this in- 
sect, yet neither of them had ever seen it nor 
knew the beetle. Mr. Tepper has charge of a 
large collection of insects, and especially of Co- 
leoptera, at the South Australian Museum. Mr. 
Smith, the proprietor of the nursery, also called 
my attention to a beetle, a curculio, which is 
very destructive to olive-trees, eating the young 
shoots and leaves of the plants during the night 
and secreting itself in the ground during the 
day-time (Fig. 4).* 

Through the bureau of forestry at Adelaide I 
was informed that a colony of Icerya existed at 
Mannum, on the Murray River, and a trip to that 
place was made on October 18. In two gardens 
Icerya was present; in one of them they ex- 


(Otiorhynchus cribricollis) — E 
enlarged (original). isted on only a few of the many orange-trees, 


and none examined showed any parasites, while in the other on two 


*Dr, Sharp, to whom we submitted specimens, has kindly determined this beetle to 
be Otiorhynchus cribricollis Gyll., a common pest to the Olive in the Mediterranean 
region. 


13 


trees that were infested many of the scales were parasitized. In addi- 
tion to the parasites, numerous larve and eggs of a lace-winged fly 
(Chrysopa) were observed, the larve preying upon the scales and chiefly 
upon their eggs. They were covered so much with the cottony matter 
of Icerya as to resemble this insect very closely, and were difficult to 
pick out from the torn masses of egg-sacs. I also observed here a cole- 
opterous (Coccinellid) larva, seen before at Adelaide, feeding on the 
scales, and this proved to be that of the Vedalia. All the scales here, 
as well as all the predaceous larve found feeding upon them, were col- 
lected and taken to Adelaide to be shipped to California, together with 
those found at the latter place. They were kept boxed in a cool cellar. 
The scales in Adelaide and suburbs were collected on October 24 and 
25 at a place in North Adelaide. Nearly every one of the Iceryas ex- 
posed to light and sun contained parasites, and many of these had 
’ already left, as numerous holes were visible. Of the scales found on a 
small and bushy mandarin tree, where they were excluded from the 
sun, only a few contained parasites, but the larve of the Chrysopa were 
abundant. Most of the larger egg-sacs of Icerya were torn by them 
and the contents devoured. 

I observed also that many of the young scales, only sufficiently large 
to contain a single puparium of the fly, were infested, the expanded 
skin of Icerya forming a thin covering over the puparium of the Lesto- 
phonus. This was observed at all places where Icerya occurred. No 
doubt the eggs of the pest must be deposited while the scales are yet 
quite small, probably even before the first molt, and certainly later, 
as the scales will go on feeding and increasing in size until the larve 
within them pupate. At this time large numbers of the scales were 
hatching and also of the flies. Only one living fly was observed on 
October 24 while collecting the scales, sitting between two large egg- 
masses and hardly visible to the eye. This and a second specimen 
taken under similar circumstances were the only ones I observed in nat- 
ure. Ihave never met with asingle specimen depositing eggs or even 
sitting on an Icerya nor flying around. I finished collecting for my 
first shipment on the 25th and estimated that I had about 6,000 Icerya, 
which in return would produce at an average about four parasites (Les- 
tophonus) each. They were packed partly in wooden and partly in tin 
boxes. Small branches generally full of scales were cut so as to fit 
exactly lengthwise into the box. With these the boxes were filled and 
all loose scales placed in between, plenty of space remaining for any 
of the insects within to move about freely without danger of being 
crushed by loose sticks. Salicylic acid was used in small quantities in 
the tin boxes to prevent mold, yet these, as I have been informed by 
Mr. Coquillett, arrived in a more or less moldy condition, while those 
in wooden boxes always arrived safe. In addition, Dr. Schomburgh, 
director of the botanical gardens at Adelaide, kindly fitted up for me 
a Wardian case which was filled with living plants of oranges and Pit- 


14 


tosporum in pots. Large numbers of Icerya were placed in this, and 
such larvee as were found feeding upon them, including some of a Scym- 
nus* (Fig. 5), only occasionally found with Icerya, yet very abundant on 
various Eucalyptus scales, especially on Eriococecus 
eucalypti. Of this I sent large numbers to California 
in my later shipments, as they were easily collected 
by the hundreds under bark of Eucalyptus infested 
with this EHriococcus. Mr. F. M. Webster brought 
me the same insect in numbers from Tasmania, to- 
gether with the Hriococcus on Eucalyptus. The 
Fic. 5.—Khizobius ventra- object of this was to have the Lestophonus go on 

lis Er.—enlarged (orig- Z es # 

inal). breeding within the case during the voyage. No 
doubt many infested scales arrived in Los Angeles. 

I found on examining the tree, on April 12, 1889, under which this 
case had been placed with a tent overit, that from several of the Iceryas. 
the Lestophonus had issued. This case, as Mr. Coquillett informed me 
in letter of November 30, arrived in good condition, except that the 
putty had been knocked off in several places, leaving holes large enough 
for the parasites to escape. Before opening the case he found two coc- 
cinellid larve crawling on the outside, and these when placed with 
the Icerya attacked it at once. He further said that there were only 
about half a dozen living Chrysopa adults. This would show thatthe 
Lestophonus was still issuing on arrival in California and all turned out 
more favorably than I had anticipated on seeing the box handled in 
such a rough manner by the steamer hands at Sydney, to which point 
I accompanied this as wellas allthe subsequent shipments. I expected 
little good would come out of this method of sending and therefore con- 
cluded to send only small parcels on ice thereafter, as had been partly 
done at first. If once the insects could be placed in good condition in 
the ice-house on the steamer just before leaving, where a temperature 
of 38° Fah. at first and about 46° Fah. on arrival in San Francisco 
existed, they must arrive safely. To accomplish this, the parasites with 
their hosts were all collected the last three days before leaving Ade- 
laide, and on arriving home were immediately placed in a cool cellar. 
On the trip from Adelaide to Sydney, which takes two days by train, 
my insects came generally in an ice-box on the sleeping-car. 

On November 2 I made a trip to Gordon, 11 miles north of Sydney, 
Mr. James Harold, agricultural reporter of the Town and Country 
Journal, Sydney, having furnished me with the address of a prominent 
fruit-grower there. Mr. Harold has traveled much over Australia 
gathering information for his paper, yet, as he assured me, he never met 
with an Icerya. The same answer was received from the gentleman at 
Gordon, who has been living in the colony for thirty-four years and has 
raised oranges for thirty-two years. He knew only the three scales upon_ 


* Dr. Sharp described this as Scymnus restitutor (Insect Life, I, 364), but has since 
written us that it is identical with Rhizobius ventralis Er., of the Munich catalogue. 
He states, however, that it belongs rather to Scymnus than to Rhizobius. 


15 


oranges, viz: Lecanium olee (Fig. 6) and the Mytilaspis and Aspidiotus 
aurantit. This latter is not doing any serious damage to his trees, pro- 
viding they are well taken care of, yet he assured me that in some parts 
of the colony it is impossible to raise oranges on account of the ravages 
of this scale. For the Mytilaspis he uses sulphur and lime as a wash, 
applying it with a paint brush. This he claims need only be repeated 
every three years, as during this time the trees remain comparatively 
free. The mixture is prepared in the following way: 

Unslacked lime, two parts; sulphur, one part; water is poured on this 
in sufficient quantities to boil and unite with it. It is applied asa 
white-wash to the trees and to prevent injury should not be too strong 


+ 
NB ye 


Fic. 6.—Lecanium ole: 1, adult females on olive leaves—natural size; la, female—enlarged (after 
Comstock). 
Besides the scales, an Aphis appears occasionally on orange and peach 
trees. Two beetles are numerous and destructive to the melon vines 
here. One of them found at the time is a Diabrotica, often received by 
Mr. Crawford, of Adelaide, as doing great injury to the melon tribe. 
This gentleman, however, claims that all injury can be avoided by dust- 
ing powdered lime over the plants. The beetles, he said, will not at- 
tack leaves thus treated. I found here, as well as all over Australia 
and New Zealand, the Woolly-Aphis (Schizoneura lanigera), yet they 
could be seen only on the branches, as allor nearly all the apples raised 
in the colonies and New Zealand are said to be grafted on blight-proof 


16 


stock. For this purpose, the Northern Spy of our continent is consid- 
ered the best; next comes the Majetin, as Mr. Will, of Auckland, in- 
formed me. The Irish peach was standing completely free of Aphis 
between badly infested trees. A large number of blight-proof trees 
are sold by nurserymen in Australia and New Zealand, and only such 
are planted in these countries as far as the roots are concerned. Mr. 
Will said that the Northern Spy will produce the best roots; on this is 
grafted the Majetin as the stem, and any desired 
variety may be selected for the upper part or 
branches. At this place I observed a small 
black and lemon-yellow lady-bird (Fig. 7) feeding 
upon the Woolly-Aphis; the same was also ob- 
served at Toowoomba, Queensland, under similar 
circumstances.* I did not meet with it outside of 
these places. No Icerya could_be found on the 
orange trees, but the same day, two young spec- 
Fic. 7.—Leis conformis, found imens were found in the woods, about 2 miles 

feeding on Woolly Aphis— ; ‘ 

enlarged (original). distant, one of them on a pea-vine and the 
second on aspecies of Salix, both near the ground. 

November 5 I visited Mr. Joseph Purser at Castle Hil, to the west 
of Sydney, also a prominent fruit-grower. No Icerya were found on the 
numerous orange trees at this place. Mr. Purser reports having met 
with an occasional specimen only on his orange trees, never more than 
half adozen. A short distance from the orchard I noticed a small pond 
on the edge of which were growing a few small bushes of Acacia. On 
examination I found two large Iceryas with egg sacs and several empty 
skins of scales. Mr. Purser informed me that in former years be has 
often seen the scales upon trees growing along river banks. During this 
same day, while searching through the bush, I found upon the needle- 
bush Hakia acicularis, growing amongst numerous Acacia longifolia, a 
well developed Icerya fastened to the main stem. A careful search 
was made on all the plants growing there, yet with the exception of a 
peculiar Coelostoma upon Acacia, no scales could be found. One speci- 
men of Icerya was found on this Acacia at the botanical gardens in 
Adelaide. Mr. Purser, who is also much troubled with the Mytilaspis 
mentioned, used as a remedy kerosene-tar, 1 pint; soft-soap, 3 pounds; 
sulphur, 5 pounds. These are boiled in 10 gallons of water and the 
trees washed with this mixture with a paint-brush, only the trunk and 
larger limbs being treated. The gentleman claims that all the scales 
on trees so treated will be killed and the trees will remain free from 
scales from seven to nine years. 

I returned to Adelaide on November 8, as I considered that the best 
field to obtain the material. On the 15th a trip was made about 300 
miles north of Adelaide, but I found nothing of interest in the insect 
line on this journey, with the exception along the road of large num- 


*This species is Leis conformis Boisd., according to Dr. Sharp, to whom we sent 
specimens. 


Ie 


bers of locusts traveling south in search of food, nothing being left for 
them in the interior to feed upon. The country around Quorn was so 
dry and hot that some Hucalyptus rostrata in a dry river-bed were all 
the green vegetation that could be seen, and the locusts still met with 
were unable to feed. Finding the search for Icerya in this district use- 
less, I returned to Adelaide, where subsequently new colonies were 
discovered for shipment. In conversation about the grasshoppers en 
route, a gentleman remarked that only in such unusually dry seasons 
as the present would the locusts migrate, there being no food left for 
them in the interior of South Australia. Those around Quorn, he re- 
marked, leit in a southeasterly direction down the valley toward Ade- 
laide, while those coming from the interior went towards Spencer’s 
Gulf. On my trip I observed them most abundantly about Black Rock 
traveling south, not in clouds but scattered and never very high, simi- 
lar to our Caloptenus devastator in California in 1885,.* 

November 29 I began collecting material for my second shipment. 
Already on some of the trees, well exposed to sun, about 90 per cent. 
of the flies had left the scales, while on the trees in more shady places 
morethan half of the parasites were still within their hosts. Nota 
single fly was observed, and yet they must have been about in large 
numbers. Instead of this, I noticed sitting and walking about the 
scales a peculiar Chalcidt (Fig. 8); this was suspected to be a secondary 


Fic. 8.—Euryischia lestophoni, dorsal and side views—enlarged (after Riley.) 


parasite, and during the day I noticed them ovipositing in the infested 
Iceryas. The Lady-birds were at that time quite abundant in egg, 
larva, pupa, and imago states, and special pains were taken not to 
miss any of these during the collecting. The following four days were 


we eS eee 
” As kindly determined by M. Henri de Saussure, of Geneva, Switzerland. This is 
the Chortologa australis of his monograph of the Tryxalidz, not yet completed. 
t This is the species referred to in our annual report for 1888, p. 92, under the MS. 
name Kuryischia lestophoni. 


14151—No. 21 


9 
_ 


18 


spent in gathering Icerya and itsenemies. Many of the secondary par- 
asites were again noticed, yet not a single Lestophonus. I gathered 
during this time probably six thousand scales, and hardly a specimen 
was noticed among them that was not parasitized by the Lestophonus. 
All of them contained either puparia of the fly or empty holes where the 
flies had issued. Knowing that if we should introduce the secondary 
parasite the good work of Lestophonus on Icerya would be greatly re- 
stricted, I sent the following notice to Mr. Coquillett, and also to your 
office. 

On account of a parasite of Lestophonus iceryew, remove the infested scales that I 
send from the tree they were placed on, after six weeks, and transfer into large glass 
jars; examine daily by stupefying the insects that have issued, with chloroform or 
ether, empty contents on table, pick out the’flies and destroy their parasites. Form 
a new colony with every consignment you receive. 

In your letter of January 3 in regard to this secondary parasite you 
wrote: 

The parasite bred from Kermes and the one from confined Icerya and which you 
think to be parasitic upon Lestophonus are different species of the same genus. The 
genusis an entirely new one belonging to the Chalcid subfamily Zlasmine. This sub- 
family is an extremely interesting one, and up to the present time has contained only 
the typical genus Llasmus, so that this finding of a new genus is important. Hlasmus 
contains both secondary and primary parasites, so that it will be necessary to secure 
pretty good evidence regarding this new form before we can accept it as either one 
or the other. 

From seventy-five specimens of Kermes no Lestophonus was bred. On 
the 26th I left Adelaide on my way to Sydney, with what I considered 
even a better shipment than the first. Unfortunately this lot arrived 
in a bad condition at San Francisco, owing to a gale on the route when 
the parcels fell off the shelving in the ice-house, in which they had 
been placed, and most of them were crushed by cakes of ice falling on 
them. In my opinion, even such severe treatment as this would not 
destroy so very many of the pup of Lestophonus, which are not soft, 
and if crushed out of the scale wili produce flies if properly taken 
care of later, as I had ample opportunity to observe while in Australia. 

Among this lot of things were also about fifteen hundred eggs of the 
Chrysopa which were collected on Kangaroo Acacia (A. armata) infested 
by a Dactylopius, which is often taken to be Icerya. The scale is some- 
times so abundant that the plants are entirely covered with it. This 
was the case during my visit, and, as Mr. Crawford informed me, also in 
1882. Mr. Maskell, to whom specimens were forwarded by Mr. Craw- 
ford, said that the insect belongs to the Dactylopine. The eggs of the 
Chrysopa were so abundant that often from twenty to thirty could be 
counted on a single small outer branch of a few inches in length, yet 
many of these had already hatched. The number of Lady-birds in all 
stages sent with this lot amounted to several hundred. The weather 
was unusually hot during two days of collecting, the thermometer regis- 
tered 108° Fah. in the shade, and from one small box left in room 
over night, where the temperature had not been below 90° Fah., about 


19 


fifty of the flies issued during the night and early morning. They 
were crawling on the window at 6a.m. Many more were found within 
the box, with wings not yet developed. 

I returned again to Adelaide within four days, the time taken in 
making the trip. I wrote to the United States consular agent, Mr. 
George Harris, at Brisbane, Queensland, to ascertain for me the occur- 
rence of Icerya in that district. Through the department of forestry 
at Adelaide I was informed that Icerya existed at Stansbury, on the 
Yorka Peninsula, at the place of Mr.F. Wurm. Accordingly a trip was 
made across the water on October 1, and I was kindly and hospitably 
received by Mr. Wurm. That gentleman showed me a small orange- 
tree completely covered with Icerya, but aside from this, not a single 
specimen could be found for miles around, nor had they ever been ob- 
served before this. The tree infested with the scales was completely 
covered with a small black ant, so much so that several could be count- 
ed upon each of the scales at the same time. Upon examination only 
two specimens of the Icerya were found to be parasitized by the Les- 
tophonus, and these had already left. No doubt the abundance of the 
ants upon the scales prevented the flies from ovipositing. I recom- 
mended keeping the ants off the tree as the scales would then dis- 
appear. 

How often must the mother flies have been hovering over this young 
tree in their attempt to lay eggs, and how many of them must have 
been carried off as food for the young of the industrious ants! Mr. 
Wurm also informed me that Icerya had been found by him upon the 
roots of black grass. On examination, however, this proved to be an 
entirely different coccid, Lecanium oleew, which had found its way to 
this place in small colonies on olive-trees. The cut-worms had done 
considerable damage to fruit-trees, grape-vines, and other vegetation 
during November. Some of the apple-trees were completely stripped 
of their foliage. Melolonthid larve had been very injurious to the 
wheat crop by eating the roots.* The common grasshopper was also in 
abundance here.t 

On December 6, from four large specimens of Icerya that had been 
inclosed, thirty-four flies (Lestophonus) and five parasites of the latter 
had issued. J examined condition of Icerya on place from which last 
sending was made, and from which nearly every one of the old and 
infested scales had been removed, the trees at the time being full of 
large Iceryas; yet at this date but very few of them were left, the coc- 
cinellid larve and the Chrysopa in conjunction doing good work, eat- 
ing, no doubt, the healthy as well as the infested scales. Some of them 
had apparently gone through second molt, yet the greater part were 


* Three species of Melolonthid beetles were collected at this point by Mr. Koebele, 
and being unknown to our fauna were sent to Dr. Sharp, who has found them to be 
Scitala nigrolineata Boisd., S. pruinosa Dalm., the third species representing a new 
genus near Scitala. 

t The same undetermined species referred to on p. 17. 


20 


still in the first stage. Only very small larve of the Lestophonus were 
found within scales after first and second molts. Within a nearly fall- 
grown specimen on trunk of lemon-tree, the only large one found there, 
two larve of the fly were nearly full-grown. 

I left on December 10 for Melbourne, seeing that it was necessary to 
hunt up a new field. There I had hopes of gathering a sufficient quan- 
tity for a shipment. The largest colony I was able to discover at Mel- 
bourne existed in a church-yard on Collins street, upon small trees of 
Pittosporum undulatum. Icould not find the proper person to apply to 
for admittance, and a policeman whom I consulted in regard to getting 
the tempting specimens advised me ‘‘not to jump from the fence as 
they surely would have me arrested.” 


T left them undisturbed and went in search of others. A few speci- 
mens existed in the gardens of the government buildings; an occa- 
sional specimen in the park adjoining the Exposition grounds ; some on 
a: hedge in front of a hotel, and single specimens were found on trees 
in a park at St. Kilda, while at the same place on a garden hedge quite 
anumber were found; all these on Pittosporum undulatum and P. (engeni- 
oides?). At the last-named place the lady-birds were found at work, 
and all were gathered later for shipment. I went east of Melbourne as 
far as Bairnsdale, yet no Icerya could be found. A strong attempt 
was made to find out the whereabouts of the Monophleebids of which 
Mr. Crawford had sent specimens to California. They could not be dis- 
covered in numbers in the woods, yet in the parks at St. Kilda I was 
soon rewarded. by finding the insects looked for, viz.: Monophlebus 
crawfordi Maskell (Fig. 9), under loose bark of various Eucalypti, em- 
bedded in cottony matter, and the single, (often 2 inches) long, white, 
setous, anal hairs sticking out.* Only a few dozen of the monstrous 
scales, however, could be gathered in a hard day’s work. Up in the tree- 
tops I often found a similar Monophlebid, only varying in color some- 
what. It is as large, or even larger, than M. crawfordi, and sits fast- 
ened to the branches and exposed without any cottony attachments, 
although sometimes under chips of bark. 

On my way home in the evening one of these scales came hurriedly 
running down on the trunk of a tree. So the next day, at the northern 
park at Melbourne, the ground at the base of the Eucalypti was ex- 
amined. Here I found, sometimes lying loose on top and dead (in this 
case always destroyed by Lestophonus) and below ground to a depth of 
3 inches, in a small cave nicely embedded in loose cottony matter if 
healthy, or generally mixed up with the ground if parasitized, large 
numbers of these scales. These, Mr. Coquillett informed me on my re- 
turn to Los Angeles in April, gave the best results in Lestophonus, as 
these parasites were still issuing then, four months after they were col- 


*Not mentioned in the description of Monophlwbus crawfordi. See “On some New 
South Australian Coccide,” by W. M. Maskell. (From the Transactions of the Royal 
Society of South Australia 1888.)—A. K. 


21 


lected. I have counted as many as sixty-two holes in one of these 
scales, showing what a number of parasites they are able to support. A 
third species of these large Coccids was found attached to the roots and 
base of Eucalyptus below ground, even larger than the two preceding. 
About forty specimens of these produced no parasites. One specimen, 
probably of this latter species, was found embedded under bark between 
the forks of a very large Eucalyptus about 8 feet from the ground. This 
measured fully 1 inch in length, and was about two-thirds as broad, 
being nearly round. 


Fic. 9.—Monophlebus crawfordi: a,female from above; 0, same from below—enlarged; c, antenna; 
d, tarsus of same—still more enlarged (original). 


I left for Sydney on the 24th to place the insects in an ice-house previ- 
ous to shipment. In the meantime a letter had been received from Bris- 
bane stating that Icerya occurred there occasionally in numbers, and 
having had a letter from you in which you expressed the hope that I 
would be able to visit Mr. Carl H. Hartmann, a correspondent of yours 
at Toowoomba, who had found Icerya on his oranges in 1886, I started 
for Queensland on December 29 and arrived at Toowoomba early on 
January 1,1889, During the same day a full-grown female Icerya was 
discovered in the woods about three miles from this place on Acacia 
decurrens. During a search of several hours no other specimens were 
found. I visited the Range nursery the following day and met the son 
and the brother of Mr. Hartmann, who himself had died from the effects 


22 


of fever contracted while on a scientific trip to New Guinea. I also 
met the man who had been employed at the time in 1886 when Mr. Hart- 
mann received an illustration from Brisbane of Icerya,and directed him 
to look over the trees for specimens, when several scales were found. 
Since then, however, none have been found. While looking over the 
lemon and orange trees I found oue single nearly full-grown specimen, 
but aside from this no trace of them. A peculiar Coccid resembling 
Iverya somewhat in structure was found on an apple-tree. The gentle- 
man informed me that Icerya was always most noticeable in wet seasons, 
but that it never appeared in such numbers as to be injurious. 

I found here in abundance the large hemipterous insect so destruct- 
ive to the orange in Queensland and New South Wales. A second 
species somewhat smaller than this, yet equally mischievous, was found 
at Adelaide (Fig. 10). Trees were observed at this place with all the 
fruit and most of the young 
shoots destroyed. Both spe- > e. 
cies live and grow upon the S 
sap of fruit and tender 
twigs.*  Aspidiotus aurantir 
was present here in numbers “ome? RS 
and also Lecanium olee, both 
upon oranges; the latter, 
however, is kept well in —— 
check by a _ lepidopterous 


Fic, 11.—Thalpochares cocciphaga— 
slightly enlarged (original). 


Fic. 10.— Mictis pro- ; 
fana—natural size (Noctuid)larva, Thalpochares 


Gosia). covciphaga, Meyrick (Fig. 11). 

Several young orange trees had been completely cleaned by larve, and 
eight chrysalids were found upon a young plant. Mr. H. Hartmann 
also informed me that near Brisbane a dipterous larva existed which 
occasionally destroyed all the orange crops, and in 1886, which was a 
very wet season, a dipterous larva destroyed not only all the oranges 
but also nearly all the other fruits, even the apples and pears. He also 
gave me the following list as blight-proof apple-trees: ‘Northern Spy, 
Majetin, Irish Peach, Streaked Peach, Hartmann’s Seedlings Nos. 1 and 
5, New England Pigeon, Shepherd’s Perfection, Chubb’s Seedling, Can- 
vade, Flushed Peach.” 

On January 5, having obtained free passes for the Queensland rail- 
ways, I left Toowoomba for Brisbane. On my arrival at the hotel I met 
with specimens of Icerya on an ornamental plant in the passage-way. 
This and a few other specimens found in gardens through the city were 
all I could find, yet in damp seasons they occur sometimes in numbers, 
as I learned from several gentlemen acquainted with the insect. 

Mr. Henry Tryon, assistant curator of the Museum, kindly introduced 
me to several persons in Brisbane. He himself was about to publish a 


*The second of these insects is Mictis profana Fabr., and the other is a species of 
Aspongopus. 


23 


paper on Icerya and its parasites, of which he has shown mea small Chal- 
cid of which he bred several specimens from Icerya inclosed in paper 
box, saying it was a true parasite.* I bred this same insect from a few 
Specimens of an Icerya sent to me by Dr. Bancroft, of Brisbane, as feed- 
ing upon mangrove tree (Avicennia officinalis, Linn.). This seale dif- 
fers in coloration from the true J. purchasi and may prove to be a new 
species. Mr. Maskell, to whom the insect was shown, thinks it only a 
variety. It would be an interesting one, however, for of all the J. 
purchasi that I have seen, none show such a uniform bright yellow 
color. No specimens found on mangrove at Auckland show such 
bright yellow color. Mr. Tryon is of the opinion that Icerya originated 
in China, from the fact that nearly all specimens he found at Brisbane 
wereupon plants from that country. Dr. Bancroft, in his paper on 
Coccide (Philosophical Society of Queensland, vol. 1, August, 1869), 
referred to the then undescribed Icerya, and at that time, ashe assured 
me, he had been acquainted with the insect for several years. The 
doctor further mentioned the occurrence of a scale on the sugar-cane 
in Queensland living on the roots of the young plants, and as these be- 
came larger, behind the leaves. It had been imported with the canes 
from Mauritius. He promised to secure specimens for me. No doubt 
this will prove to be J. sacchari.t 

In the woods around Brisbane but few Coccids were found during my 
brief stay. The white waxy scale (Ceroplastes) so abundant on various 
plants in cultivation was here observed in large numbers upon a small 
shrub. Of the Monophlebus, which I had been informed was almost 
always numerous around Brisbane, only an occasional specimen could 
be found. Everything was so extremely dry that I gave up my in- 
tended trip by steamer further north, and as there was little prospect 
of obtaining sufficient material for a shipment at this place, I returned 
slowiy towards Melbourne, making occasional stops along the road, yet 
without discovering any Icerya. At Melbourne I was fortunate in finding 
many more of the Monophlebus. On a few trees, under the bark, they 
occurred by the dozens, often many together, but they were all dried up 
and the flies had left sometime previous. Those in ground were still 
in good condition. A large number of them had deposited their eggs 
and were shriveled up, yet during the two days a fair number were found 
parasitized. At Sydney, January 21 to 23, a number of Iceryas with 
parasites, and probably two hundred or more of the Lady-birds in all 


*Mr. Tryon has recently published in a pamphlet entitled ‘Report on Insect and 
Fungus Pests, No. 1,” a general description of this parasite, but without attempt to 
name or properly place it. From the description it seems to be identical with a true 
parasite of Icerya, which we -have received from Mr. Crawford, and which we have 
characterized, since the above was in type, as Ophelosia crawfordi, n. g., 1. sp. 

t We find among Mr. Koebele’s Brisbane material a small Coccinellid not here re- 
ferred to, but which is labeled ‘‘feeding on Icerya.” Dr. Sharp, to whom we sent a 
specimen, determines it as Cryptolemus montrouzieri Muls. 


24 


stages, were collected, most of them in the Town Hall garden. I found 
here also feeding upon the Seales a few specimens of a small Seymnus 
in all its stages which were inclosed.* The first brood of Iceryas im 
warm and exposed places at Sydney had by this time become nearly 
grown, some of them beginning to exude cottony matter, while others 
in more secluded spots were quite small. The isolated acacia tree, so 
full of Icerya in September, had become entirely clear, nothing but a 
few old and torn egg-masses being visible. With this I finished col- 
lecting the parasites and enemies of Icerya in Australia, as from letters. 
received from Mr. Crawford, at Adelaide, dated January 11 and 12, there 
was little hope of obtaining sufficient materiai at that place for another 
consignment, nor would it have paid to search for Monophlebus in the , 
ground, as at the time they could not be found in large numbers in the 
woods. Moreover, many of their parasites had already left, while the 
Icerya still known to me at Melbourne and Sydney were not sufficient 
to make a good shipment. 

A letter received at this time from you in which you directed me to 
visit New Zealand and study Icerya there until the arrival of the next 
steamer for San Francisco, in case the exposition commission would pay 
expenses, was Shown to Hon. Frank McCoppin, who at once consented to 
my proposed trip. I therefore left Sydney on the steamer of January 23 
with some hope of clearing up the mysterious disappearance of Icerya 
in New Zealand. Arrived at Auckland on the 28th, the Scales with 
parasites and Lady-birds were repacked from tin into wooden boxes, and 
were found in excellent condition. Everything within the tin boxes had 

_the appearance of being placed there only a few hours previous. There 
was no indication of any mold. Some fresh Iceryas found in a private 
garden at Auckland, on Acacia decurrens, were inclosed as food for the 
Lady-bird larve. These latter Seales were in a small colony all close 
together ou a few small branches, and numbered about eight hundred 
specimens. No insects preying upon them were found. At the United 
States consulate a letter was found awaiting me from Mr. R. Allan 
Wight, dated October 10, 1888, in which the writer mentioned various 
localities infested with Icerya, wishing me to visit Hawke’s Bay, at 
Napier, where the Seales were still numerous, although fast disappear- 
ing, and where a good field for observation would be open. I therefore 
left Auckland on January 30, overland, the New Zealand Government, 
through our consul, having furnished me with a free pass for four 
months. On this trip not many observations could be made. 

The Cabbage Aphis was found in large numbers all over the northern 
island of New Zealand as wellasin Australia. A Coccinellid was found 
subsequently at Napier feeding upon this Aphis in large numbers. It 
is described by Mr. W. Colenso as C. nova-zealandica (Fig. 12). About 
tifty specimens of these were collected and placed in empty pill-boxes. Of 
these twenty-one were still living on my arrival at Alameda, where they 


ing to a new species of a new genus. 


25 


small numbers; this is C0. tasmanii (Fig. 13). The Cabbage Plutella (Plu- 
tella cruciferarum Zell.) was here as well as all over Australia, observed 
tobe very abundant. Mr. French, of Melbourne, had a specimen on exhi- 
bition with the name of *‘ Plusia crucifera” as injurious tocabbage. The 
small Tineid, so destructive to potatoes in California, and no doubt 
already distributed over the most of the Western States, has been known 
in New Zealand for years, and it is doing the same mischief all over 
Australia, where it originated. In conversation with a merchant from 
Denver, Colo., recently, he said that a year ago he received three car- 
loads of California potatoes, infested with these worms to such a de. 
gree that they could not be sold. I also met here, wherever apples are 
grown, with what is probably Uytilaspis pomorum Bouché, the species 
previously referred to as such. 


Fic. 12.— Coccinella nova-zealandica, larva and adult— Fic. 13.—Cocecinella tasmanit, 
enlarged (original). adult—enlarged (original). 


Mr. A. Hamilton, curator of the museum at Napier, who had been 
informed by Mr. Wight of my intended trip, awaited me and at once 
showed me a number of infested Acacia trees. Icerya was here still in 
countless numbers. Before breakfast the next morning this gentleman 
showed me one of the Australian Lady-birds,* saying that he found it 
among Icerya. On investigation they were found in large numbers in 
every place visited at Napier and several miles out in the country. I 
left Napier for Wellington on the 11th to visit Mr. Maskell. This gen- 
tleman had never had the opportunity of studying the enemies of Icerya, 
as the scales are not found anywhere within 80 miles of Wellington. It 
had been the firm belief of some persons in New Zealand that certain 
Ichneumonids were the destroyers of the Seales. I saw dozens of sev- 
eral species of these upon one orange tree infested with Icerya near 
Napier, not injuring them in any way, but devouring the sweet exuda- 
tion from them. Larger numbers of flies were present than Ichneu- 
monide, and even Crambide were engaged in the same perform- 
ance, yet these received no sbare in the compliments. Mr. Maskell had 
received from the Cape of Good Hope about two hundred specimens 
of several species of Coccinellids, which, as the sender informed him, 


* Vedalia cardinalis Muls. 


26 


were all preying upon Icerya. They were sent to Nelson and placed 
under tent with the Scales. A few days later, how- 
ever, the wind took away the tent and nothing more 
has been seen since of the Coccinellids. Several 
species of these beetles which Mr. Maskell kindly 
presented me with were left with you at Washington. 
Amongst them I could not find the Rodolia icerye, 
; ~=5 Janson (Fig. 14), which is destroying the Scales at the 
Fig. 14 —Rodolia icer- e : é 
ye—enlarged (after Cape and, with the possible exception of one species, 
Huley). I do not think they will feed upon Icerya. 

My time was too short to visit Nelson, and Mr. Maskell kindly promised 
to secure for me a box full of scales from that district, so as to enable 
me to find out whether some parasites or enemies existed there. This 
box was sent to me on board the steamer at Auckland and, on opening 
the same, several flies were found that had issued en route. Only one 
of them was in perfect condition ; all the others were crippled. They 
had crawled in among the paper used in making up the parcel. No 
other specimens were bred and no holes were observed in the scales, so 
the only possibility remains in the larva of this fly being predaceous 
upon the eggs of Icerya. Apart from these flies no other insects were 
observed from the Nelson Scales. On my return to Napier I got at once 
to work gathering the Coccinellids in all stages. They were in such 
numbers that I found it not very difficult to collect here about six 
thousand specimens during the three days (February 14 to 16). As 
many as eight eggs of the Lady-bird were observed on the upper side 
of the female Icerya just beginning to exude cottony matter. Oppo- 
site to this on the small branch of Acacia, five young larve of the 
Lady-bird were feeding on the under side of a half-grown scale; in one 
instance even nine Coccinellid larve were found attached to a small 
Icerya. The mature beetles were not numerous, 
but every branch full of scales had a greater or 
less number of eggs and larve. The eggs are 
chiefly deposited among the vigorous half-grown 
scales. Here the largest number of the eggs and 
young larve were found. They are generally 
single, thrust in between the scales and fastened 
onto the branch, on the scale itself, and often on 
the under side of the scale, as the mother Lady- 

I bird will sometimes raise the Icerya with her hind 

Fig. 15.—Scymnus fagus—en- legs and thrust the egg under it. At times two 

Eeees enelna or more are found together, always lying flat and 

in irregular position. Aside from this valuable Coccinellid, a small 

Seymnus was observed here feeding upon the scales, but in small num- 

bers only. This was named for me later by Captain Broun, as Scymnus 
Jagus (Fig. 15). 

I left Napier with my valuable lot of Lady-birds on the 17th. They 


27 


were placed in the ice-house on the steamer, and as soon as Auckland 
was reached I went to the freezing-house and there my Coccinellids were 
placed in a cool room with a temperature of 38° Fah. Having been 
informed that Iceryas had been very numerous almost a year ago at a 
gentleman’s place near Lake Togabuna, several miles out of Auckland, 
a trip was made as soon as my Lady-birds were safe, for I was very 
anxious to get at the fact as to what had destroyed the Scales around Auck- 
land, and if it were not the same insect found at Napier. I was shown 
a couple of Acacia trees, one of which had been destroyed by the Scales, 
and a second, still living, which had many Iceryas upon it. All the 
Seales on this small tree were examined, and, with the exception of a 
small Coleopterous larva within one of the egg-masses, no enemies could 
be observed. Both these trees were growing among old pine trees and 
were much shaded by them, in fact so much so that no sun-Joving in- 
sect like the Lady-bird would venture into then. Close by about a 
dozen orange trees were growing in an open field, and on my inquiring 
if no Scales were upon these trees, the gentleman remarked that only 
about nine months since they were full of them, but that all had disap- 
peared. These I wanted to see, and on the first tree reached, while 
yet at some distance, I could see, exposed to the sun on the upper side 
of a leaf, a black glistening spot, which was the insect looked for, the 
Australian Lady-bird. On this tree more Coccinellids than Iceryas were 
found. The Lady-birds, if not at rest on top of a leaf in the hot sun, 
were busily running or flying about. This is an interesting fact. All 
the orange trees in the open field were completely cleaned of the thou- 
sands of Scales by the Coccinellids, while closely adjoining, among the 
dark and shady pines (Pinus insignis Douglas), a large Acacia tree 
(Acacia decurrens) was destroyed by the Scales, even the adjoining 
branches of the pine trees being dead, and, as stated by the proprietor, 
from the effects of Icerya. 

As yet the scales have not been observed to my knowledge on pine 
trees in California, yet Mr. Maskell also told me of having seen pine 
trees loaded with them. I observed here also an Aspidiotus very in- 
jurious to apple trees. The following day the place visited on my 
first arrival in Auckland was examined again, but only a few large 
females could be found. The young were just hatching, and many 
eggs were still present. Mr. Cheeseman had been informed by Mr. 
Purchas and others that Icerya existed abundantly in the woods at the 
English church cemetery (Paeroa), infesting Sophora tetraptera. He 
kindly accompanied me to the place, and before long pointed out the 
tree, which is closely related to the Acacias. We soon succeeded in 
finding the scales in large numbers on a few of the trees, when a care- 
ful investigation was made and a few specimens of the small Scymnus 
Jagus were found. A small hemipterous insect was present among the 
ege-masses in all stages, the young being found within them, and two 
species of small spiders had built their houses among the egg-masses 


28 


also. From the many remains of the young Iceryas it was evident that 
they fed also on these. The Australian Coccinellid had not yet discov- 
ered this colony of scales, yet it must have existed here in numbers 
for at least four years. Only a few scattered specimens were found 
on other shrubs, but they had spread to the Mangrove bushes growing 
close by in large numbers. On this plant they thrive remarkably well. 

Captain Broun, at Drury, the authority on New Zealand Coleoptera, 
was visited:and asked in regard to the Australian Lady-bird. He did 
not know the insect, nor had he ever met with it, but he had the small 
Scymnus fagus, which seems to be more widely spread and lives upon 
various Scales ; neither had he met with the common C. nova-zealandica 
which I found at Napier. During a ramble in the woods with the cap- 
tain I found a large Coccinellid in all stages feeding upon Ctenochiton 
viridis Maskell infesting Coprosma lucida. This Coccinellid was identi- 
fied by him as Leis antipodum Mulsant (Fig. 16). Upon the same tree was 
also found in abundance a second and smaller Scale of the same genus; 
this is C. perforatus. The captain kindly promised to send me a number 
of living specimens of the Coccinellid, and he kept his promise, though, 
unfortunately, the insect had become so rare that with assistance he 
was able to find only six specimens. These came in an ice-chamber well 
packed in a large box, but only one of them was living on arrival here. 


=e MS 


Fic. 16.—Leis antipodum, two varieties—enlarged (original.) 


On February 25 the steamer was ready to sail. Having made ar- 
rangements with the butcher on board the previous day as to the most ~ 
convenient time of receiving my insects into the ice-house, they were 
transferred from the freezing-house on board the steamer, which did 
not take more than ten minutes, and the insects were not disturbed in 
their dormant stage during the time. Every day on the voyage I re- 
ceived the answer from the butcher, to my inquiries about the parcel, 
‘“ Your bugs are all right.” On March 10, after leaving Honolulu, one 
of the boxes with the Lady-bird larve was examined and found in ex- 
cellent condition; no dead larve could be found among them, and this 
was twenty-four days after the first were collected. On Saturday eve- 
ning, March 16, we arrived at San Francisco, too late to have the in- 
sects forwarded, and I could not send them off before Monday evening, 
March 18. They were probably received and opened by Mr. Coquillett 
two days later. This would make thirty-four days that they were in- 


29 


closed, and yet they arrived in excellent condition, better than any pre- 
viously received. Haviug been on ice for twenty-nine days, no doubt 
many of the eggs arrived here before hatching, and the larvee under 
such conditions would make little progress in their growth. 

As will be seen from these notes (and such is my firm belief), Icerya 
is indigenous to Australia, having spread from that country to the Cape 
of Good Hope, New Zealand, and our continent, and no doubt with some 
plants brought here. The pursers on steamers running between San 
Francisco and Sydney informed me that with every trip a greater or 
less number of plants are brought over. On these no one would notice 
Icerya; even an expert would overlook a few of the tiny young scales 
if not especially searching for them. At the time Icerya was first ob- 
served here many oranges were brought over. Mr. Sutton, of the 
Alameda, informed me that in 1873 the entire market in San Francisco 
was supplied with Australian oranges. All this matters little. We 
have the pest, and now the most effective enemies of it. Before long 
the work of the latter will be appreciated all over the State. At this 
date small colonies of the Lady-birds have been established in almost 
every district infested with Icerya, and at Los Angeles they must be 
present already by the thousands. 

It was difficult in Australia to ascertain which was the most effect- 
ive enemy of Icerya, on account of the scarcity of the latter insect dur- 
ing the unusually dry season of my visit. It is safe to say, however, 
that the Lestophonids are always and at any time ready for any Icerya, 
since they breed upon so many and varied Scales infesting the Euca- 
lypti and Acacias, of which the Australian woods chiefly consist. 
Often Icerya will appear m large numbers in some private garden in a 
city, and yet, as I have been informed, they will be out of sight in a 
short time again. This entire clearing up is the work of the Lady- 
birds, for in most cases the infested scales will produce eggs, and the 
flies are never able to entirely clear a tree of them, in which case t. e 
Lady-bird steps in and devours Scales, flies, and all. It is only in such 
protected places that the scales sometimes become numerous, as it 
takes time for their enemies to establish themselves. The Lestophonus 
no doubt would in time increase here so as to keep the Icerya in check, 
but this would be years, for only two broods of it were observed in 
Australia, as many as that of its host, the Icerya, the parasite appear- 
ing about the same time as the young of the latter. I have seen about 
eight species of Monophlcebide upon which Lestophonus will undoubt- 
edly breed. 

Dr. Diez, of the Adelaide Museum, has shown me several specimens 
of a species of these scales, which he assures me were fully 2 inches in 
length when received alive from the interior of South Australia. He 
~ had written to the party who sent them for information regarding the 
monstrous scale-bug, yet the only light he received upon the subject 
was that the discoverer of the Scale was found dead in the bush near 


30 


Barvota, and he assumes that they Came from that district. Such a 
large Coccid would be able to support several hundred of the Lesto- 
phonus. I have also bred this fly from a species of Celostoma found 
on a shrub at Mount Lofty, South Australia, where two specimens of - 
Icerya were found, both invested by Lestophonus on a species of Acacia. 
In California we have to my knowledge no Seales upon which this fly 
would breed, with the exception of Pulvinaria and Dactylopius. Of the 
latter there are many species found almost everywhere; a large species 
almost equal in size to Icerya exists upon our Redwood trees (Sequoia). 
This no doubt willin time be attacked by the flies. I have not the least 
doubt that in time this Lestophonus will do effective work upon Icerya 
even if slow (too slow for the Americans, as Mr. Wolfskill remarked). 
So far I have seen little progress of it. On my visit to Los Angeles (April 
12), it seemed that very few remained of the vast number of flies re- 
ceived here in good condition. AJl had been placed under one tent, 
erected over a tree for the purpose of propagating, instead of forming 
a new colony with every consignment received; yet it is to be hoped 
that very many of the flies have escaped from the tent. 

As far as the Lady-bird is concerned it will show itself, or rather has 
done so already. They never were found by the writer except feeding 
upon Icerya, and yet there must surely exist in Australia some other 
scales upon which they feed. The work this little insect is able to accoin- 
plish is shown by the fact that by chance it went over to Auckland, New 
Zealand, where the Icerya was in a flourishing state, having destrored 
nearly everything about five years or so since, and there cleared nearly 
the whole district around Anckland within about two years. From here 
it has spread south as far as Hawk’s Bay without any artificial help, 
everywhere increasing in numbers as long as the food would last. I 
shall be greatly mistaken if this one insect alone is not master of the 
situation within two years’ time, although we have comparatively few 
to battle with. It will need thousands everywhere to clean up the mill- 
ions of scales. I has no time while in the field to study much of the 
life-history of this valuable insect. My first motto was always ‘get as 
many as possible.” If once established here, the life history may be 
studied at leisure. 

I will, however, relate part of the doings of one pair of these insects. 
On February 9 a few beetles and pup were collected in a glass jar. 
Two male Lady-birds were noticed running and pushing around one of 
the pup in which one of the female Lady-birds had just issued and 
was within thecase with soft and tender wings and about helpless. Soon 
the male succeeded in pushing her out, and immediately after this had 
been accomplished, one of them united with her at about3 p.m. This 
pair were placed in a small wooden box and they remained in copula 
until the following morning at 7. They were left in this box until 
February 17, when they were placed in a large jar with twigs of Acacia 
fullofIceryas. Noeggs were observed in the box, which was completely 


dl 


clean, with the exception of the numerous red spots produced by the 
Lady-bird, for they had subsisted on their owneggs during their confine- 
ment. As soon as the female Lady-bird was among the scales she be- 
came quiet, stopped, and deposited an egg upon the twig. As soon as 
this was done she turned around and devoured the same, which took 
her about a half a minute. A few moments were spent in cleaning her- 
self and then another egg was brought forth and eaten. After this and 
another wash she attacked and devoured a half-grown scale. This was 
eaten into from the back, very quietly at first, yet in a little time she 
became lively, almost furious, tearing the scale off from its hold by the 
beak and turning it up and down in the air with the mouth-parts, as- 
sisting in this with the anterior legs. In about one minute this was. 
devoured and nothing but the empty skin left, after which she went to 
work, business-like, and deposited eggs quietly, sitting at rest upon the 
scales, and every few minutes thrusting an egg in between or generally 
under them. A very large scale was lifted with the posterior legs and 
the egg thrust beneath. All the strong attempts at love affairs by the 
lively and not hungry male were resisted. I was careful to see that 
twigs with nothing but Icerya on them were selected for food; at least 
no young larve could be observed on them; yet the second day after 
the Coccinellids were placed in with them, young larvze were seen, and 
they came out so fast that within a few days my jar was a living mass. 
of them. 

On February 22 a few of the larve were full grown and settled down 
in a quiet place, fastening the ends of their bodies down with a thick 
and sticky substance and remaining in this way, becoming shorter and 
stouter, for four days. On the 25th the first pupa was observed; from 
this the mature beetle hatched in the evening of the 28th. Another 
appeared the following day. Again, on March 3, a pair of the bred 
Lady-birds were placed together, with clean food, and the next day, 
March 4, eggs were observed which hatched on the 8th. This I could 
not carry through, as the food began to dry up; in fact, on March 18, 
many grown and hungry larvie were devouring each other in this jar, 
and even the mother of them, which was still living, was noticed devour- 
ing one of her young, a larva. Three times, at intervals, this pair were 
observed in copulation. Eleven beetles of this last brood reached matu- 
rity, having had nothing to feed upon but one supply of scales that 
had already been boxed up for eight days, the beetles having been born 
and forced to live upon one another. Taking four days for the eggs to 
hatch, about eight days for the larve to grow, three days until pupa- 
ting, and four days more for the pupa to emerge, this would only make 
nineteen days from the egg tothe mature insect, providing the weather 
is warm. No doubt we will see cases where, in less time than this, 
all the stages are gone through at Los Angeles in hot weather, and we 
may expect at least fifteen broods annually of this insect to two of 
Icerya. 


32 


Another most important insect is the moth Thalpochares cocciphaga 
Meyrick. It is greatly to be hoped that this insect will be introduced 
here. I have been able to get about a hundred larve here in good con- 
dition, yet what became of them I am not able to state as yet. The 
insect is apparently easy to breed. Five of the larve were placed in a 
pill-box in the field during January and overlooked. During April, on 
opening the box at Alameda, I found that four of the moths had issued, 
copulated, and deposited many eggs. The young larve, however, had 
already left the box and no trace of them could be found. It would 
have been easy with the number received here, had a little care been 
bestowed upon them, to breed and introduce them upon most any of 
our larger Scales. 

The Chrysopa, of which eggs and larvee were sent over with every 
shipment, excepting the last, have been successfully introduced. In 
April, while in Los Angeles, several of the insects were noticed upon 
orange trees in Mr. Wolfskill’s orchard. 

Several species of Scymnus, about six in number, that were sent, all 
live upon Coccide. The largest of them was abundantin Brisbane upon 
various soft scales, and was also found at this place upon Icerya. 

Mr. Webster brought to me from Tasmania a box full of Eucalyptus 
twigs with Hriococcus eucalypt, the Scymnus so numerous at Melbourne, 
and sent here in numbers, together with two small moths, a Pyralid and 
a Tineid, which were feeding upon the Hriococcus.* These, as all other 
insects, were turned over to Mr. Coquillett. Various other beneficial 
insects were observed during my four months’ work in Australia, all of 
which if introduced here would be of great value. One of these de- 
serves to be mentioned. It is one of the largest Lady-birds, and had 
cleaned whole apple orchards of the Woolly Aphis in South Australia 
aud Victoria. They were also observed to feed upon Lecanium. 

All material collected and studied in Australia relating to this sub- 
ject and otherwise of importance will be mounted and sent to you with 
the notes thereon. 


* These moths we have no means of now determining, even if described. The 
Tineid much resembles Euclemensia bassettella of this country, and the other is a Phy- 
cid near Dakruma. 


fo) 


63 0, af $ | 

Woo OEP ART MENT ORJMAGRICULTURE: i 

DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. , 
BULLETIN. No, 22. 


ey Eee OR ES 


OF 


OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 


THE PRACTICAL WORK OF THE DIVISION, 


MADE 


UNDER THE DIRECTION GF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 
(PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.) 
WASHINGTON: 


GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 


1890. 


epson nine 
~ ar a 


i DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY.. 
BULLETIN No. 22. 


Roe Ok TS 


OF 


OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 


IN 


THE PRACTICAL WORK OF THE DIVISION, 


MADE 


_ UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 


(PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.) 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 


1890. 


Ty ; 
i be ay ; tag 
; haa! , : 
PX 
ges 


CONTENTS. 


MESA OVDS ER OSETO Ne or ee aio one oe arcs eo cae eae cle sa Seo eed ae a minalses eee. 
REPORT ON VARIOUS METHODS FOR DESTROYING THE RED SCALE OF CALI- 

TORS aSnGn Beeso be pcoce JASE eRe Bae Saee haere reEpotoon D. W. Coquillett. - 
REPORT ON INSECTS OF THE SEASON IN IOWA ...----.------ Herbert Osborn.. 


REPORT ON OBSERVATIONS UPON INSECTS AFFECTING GRAINS.F. M. Webster... 
ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FROM MISSOURI FOR THE SEASON 189, Mary E. Murt- 


CT > RES TANS 4 Bek ial St thee ese epee ee ere fe EL 0 
MMBORT ON CATE ORNIA UNSECTS)..2.+< socceeaces -osc-s ss 5955 Albert Koebele. . 
REPORT ON NEBRASKA INSECTS ..---.-- Seerest itis sis Serato Lawrence Bruner. - 


9 


oO 


Page. 


Aiea Weve 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Washington, D. C., January —, 1890. 

Str: I have the honor to submit for publication Bulletin No. 22 of 
this Division. Owing to the necessities of the case I was able to include 
in the annual report only a general summary of the work of the field 
agents of the Division, reserving their full reports on the work of the 
year for subsequent publication. They are, therefore, here presented. 


Respectfully, ear 
. V. RILEY 
Entomologist. 


Hon. J. M. Rusk, 
Secretary of Agriculture. 
5 


* 
© 
= 


ular 5 2 Se 


INTRODUCTION. 


This bulletin comprises the reports of the field agents of the Division 
of Entomology which were necessarily omitted from the annual report, 
in which it has been our previous custom to publish some or all of 
them. . 

Mr. Coquillett has reported upon several phases of his work, and we 
print here only the portion relating to the experiments which he made 
in the destruction of the Red Scale of California (Aspidiotus [Aonidia] 
aurantit Maskell) by the use of washes. <A portion of his report re- 
lating to experiments with gas treatment for this scale insect, resulting 
in the great cheapening of the use of this process, has been printed in 
the double number of INSEcT LIFE for January and February, 1890. 
Another section of his report relating to the attempted colonization of 
the insects preying upon Icerya purchasi, imported by Mr. Koebele from 
Australia, has also been published in part in INSECT LIFE for October, 
1889, and the remainder is reserved for future use. The experiments 
with washes were undertaken with a view of presenting a practical 
illustration of their utility to the fruit-growers of southern California 
who had apparently ignored the previous results obtained and pub- 
lished in our reports for 1886 and 1887. These late experiments were 
performed by instruction of Assistant Secretary Willits, and the Red 
Scale was particularly chosen on account of its importance as a pest, 
and for the further reason that the Fluted Scale seems at present to re- 
quire no further experimentation, since the Vedalia is overcoming it so 
rapidly. 

Professor Osborn, in obedience to instructions, has taken up the 
study of insects injurious to grasses in addition to his regular work 
upon the insect parasites of domestic animals, and reports at this time 
upon the leat-hoppers injuring forage plants. This is a comparatively 
new and important-field of investigation. 

Professor Webster continues his studies of grain iusects and reports 
here upon certain points connected with the economy of a few well- 
known pests. 

Miss Murtfeldt sends in a general report upon the insects of the sea- 
son in eastern Missouri, brings out a number of interesting facts, and 
gives the life history of a beetle injuring Spinach and also the histories’ 


of two interesting Saw-flies. 
i 


8 


Mr. Koebele returned from Australia in March and came on to Wash- 
ington for special work, returning to Alameda, Cal., April 15. He 
spent considerable time in writing out his report on his Australian 
work (published in Bulletin No. 21 of this Division) and in assisting to 
rear and distribute the Vedalia. 

During the latter part of the season he did considerable field work 
and reports upon a number of injurious species. Perhaps the most in- 
teresting feature in his report is his work upon the enemies of the Cod- 
ling Moth in California. He has reared four entirely new parasites of 
this species, two of which are primary and two secondary. The egg 
parasite seems to be a very important feature in the life of the Codling 
Moth on the Pacific coast, and we know from previous experience with 
egg-parasites of the same genus that they are capable of very rapid 
development and are consequently very beneficial insects where they 
attack injurious species. We need only refer to the case mentioned in 
the Fourth Report of the U. S. Entomological Commission, where 
by the work of Trichogramma pretiosa Riley, the fifth brood of Cotton 
Worm was almost completely annihilated in Florida, where at the be- 
ginning of the fourth brood less than one-half of the eggs had been de- 
stroyed. By almost complete annihilation we mean that less than 10 
per cent. of the Cotton Worm eggs throughout a large section remained 
unstung. | 7 

Professor Bruner treats of the insects of the year and enters upon 
the consideration of insects detrimental to the growth of young trees on 
tree claims in Nebraska and other portions of the West, an important 
subject which has not before received treatment. 

C. V. R. 


REPORT ON VARIOUS METHODS FOR DESTROYING THE 
RED SCALE OF CALIFORNIA. 


By D. W. CoquiLtett, Special Agent. 


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 


Los ANGELES, CAL., October 30, 1889. 


Sir: I herewith submit my annual report on some of the results obtained by me 
during the past year. 

During the first half of the year nearly my whole time was occupied in propagat- 
ing and distributing the Lady-birds (Vedalia cardinalis Mulsant) recently imported 
from Australia by this Division. So thoroughly have these insects destroyed the 
Fluted or Cottony-cushion Scale (Icerya purchasi Maskell) that at the present time it 
is difficult to find a living specimen in any portion of the southern part of this State. 
‘From the 129 Lady-birds received from the 30th of November to the 24th of January 
and colonized under a tent covering an orange tree in this city, by the following mid- 
summer I had, with the help of Mr. J. W. Wolfskill and Mr. Alexander Craw, dis- 
tributed nearly 15,000 of these insects to various parts of the State, which will give 
some idea of the great fecundity of these insects. My first attempt at colonizing 
them on trees in the open air was made in the 35-acre orange grove belonging to Col. 
J. R. Dobbins, and located in the San Gabriel Valley in this county. I colonized 35 
of the Lady-birds on one of the trees February 22 and about 100 more on the 20th of 
March, and Colonel Dobbins writes me that they had practically freed his grove of 
the Iceryas by the 31st of July. 

The large Chapman orange-grove, also located in the San Gabriel Valley, and com- 
_ prising 150 acres of citrus trees, has likewise been practically cleared of the Iceryas 
by these Lady-birds, the first colony of which I placed in this grove on the 20th of 
March. As might naturally be expected, this freeing of the orange-groves from one 
of the greatest pests with which they were ever infested removes a great burden 
from the shoulders of our oranuge-growers ; or, as one of them, Mr. A. Scott Chapman, 
writes to me: ‘‘ They have taken more than an oppressive burden off of the orange- 
growers’ hands, and I, for one, very much thank the Division of Entomology for the 
Vedalia cardinalis—the insect that has worked a miracle.” 

One of the most important results obtained by me the past season has been the dis- 
covery of a method whereby trees could be treated with hydrocyanic acid gas ata 
price scarcely exceeding one-third of what it has heretofore cost by the old method. 
As the great expense attending the use of this gas has been the one great objection 
to its being universally employed for the destruction of scale-insects infesting trees, 
this objection having been now overcome we may naturally expect to see this 
method coming into more extended use than has been the case heretofore. As I have 


9 


10 


given a full account of this new discovery in the report which follows, it will be need- 
less to more than call your attention to it in this place. * 
As heretofore, I am indebted to yourself for suggestions and other help. 
Respectfully, yours, 
D. W. COQUILLETT. 


Protec. (VV .RIEE Y: 
U. S. Entomologist. 


RESIN SOAPS AND COMPOUNDS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE RED 
SCALE. 


Karly in July of the present year I received a letter from Mr. L. O. 
Howard, acting entomologist during the absence of Professor Riley, 
instructing me to obtain permission from some person owning a number 
of large-sized orange trees which were thickly infested with the Red 
Seale (Aspidiotus aurantii Maskell), and then have the trees sprayed 
with one of the most approved resin sprays obtainable, the spraying 
to be repeated as often as would be found necessary in order to prac- 
tically free the trees of these pests, or at least to prevent them from 
becoming so numerous as tointerfere with the healthy growth of the 
trees, the object sought tor being to demonstrate that citrus trees badly 
infested with these pests can be cleaned and kept in a healthy, grow- 
ing condition by the use of the resin spray. 

Before entering upon this work I concluded to make a series of pre- 
liminary tests with various preparations, containing resin and other in- 
gredients in varying proportions, with a view of ascertaining the best 
and most desirable preparation to use in my field work referred to 
above. Accordingly I went down to Orange, in the adjoining county, 
which bears the same name, and, on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of July, 
made fourteen tests with various preparations, repeating one of these 
and making several additional tests on the 7th and 8th of the following 
month. The one giving the best results was used a trifle too strong, 
as I subsequently ascertained that it produced a discoloration on the 
underside of some of the oranges, or where they came in contact with 
each other or with a leaf or branch. For this reason a slightly weaker 
solution would produce better results, and doubtless the following pro- 
portions will be found the most effectual to use during the hotter part 
of the year: 


PROMS ae Sogo ccan eaes Tee EEE ete eee eee pounds.. 18 
Caustic soda (70 per cent. strength) ........-.....--... do:2-2 440 
Mish: O12 tie ocsaslatnane ee eens oes ee eee ee eee pints... 24 
Watermovmalke =a. 2205 Se see ees tee ee ee ee gallons.. 100 


The necessary ingredients are placed in the boiler and a sufficient 
quantity of cold water added to cover them; they are then boiled until 
dissolved, being occasionally stirred in the mean time, and after the 


*This portion of Mr. Coquillett’s report has been published in advance in INSECT 
Lire, Vol. II, double No. 6 and 7 (January and February 1890),—c. v. R. 


il 


materials are dissolved the boiling should be continued for about an 
hour, and a considerable degree of heat should be employed so as to 
keep the preparation in a brisk state of ebullition, cold water being 
added in small quantities whenever there are indications of the prepa- 
ration boiling over; too much cold water, however, should not be added 
at one time, or the boiling process will be arrested and thereby delayed, 
but by a little practice the operator will learn how much water to add 
so as to keep the preparation boiling actively. Stirring the preparation 
is quite unnecessary during this stage of the work. When boiled suffi- 
ciently it will assimilate perfectly with water and should then be di- 
luted with the proper quantity of cold water, adding it slowly at first 
and stirring occasionally during the process. The undiluted prepara- 
tion is pale yellowish in color, but by the addition of water it becomes 
a very dark brown. Before being sprayed on the trees it should be 
strained through a fine wire sieve, or through a piece of swiss muslin, 
and this is usually accomplished when pouring the liquid into the spray- 
ing tank, by means of a strainer placed over the opening through which 
the preparation is introduced into the tank. 

The preparing of this compound would be greatly accelerated if the 
resin and caustic soda were first pulverized before being placed in the 
boiler, but this is quite a difficult task to perform. Both of these sub- 
stances are put up in large cakes for the wholesale trade, the resin be- 
ing in wooden barrels, each barrel containing a single cake weighing 
about 375 pounds, while the caustic soda is put up in iron drums con- 
taining a single cake each, weighing about 800 pounds. The soda is 
the most difficult to dissolve, but this could doubtless be obviated by 
first dissolving it in cold water and then using the solution as required. 

It has been very generally supposed that the finer the spray could be 
thrown upon the tree the better would be the results obtained, but 
after conversing with several persons who make the spraying of trees 
their special work I was somewhat surprised to learn that each of them 
were in favor of a rather coarse spray. In nearly every instance they 
had started out with the impression that a fine spray was the best, but 
had gradually adopted one somewhat coarser, finally adopting one that 
threw a moderately coarse spray with considerable torce. After care- 
fully investigating the subject I found that their reasons for preferring 
a rather coarse spray to a fine one were well founded. 

The object sought for is not so much to simply sprinkle and wet the 
tree as it is to paint or varnish it over with the compound used, and 
this can best be accomplished by the use of a rather coarse spray, which 
enables them to throw the liquid upon the tree with considerable force, 
so that when it strikes any portion of the tree it spreads out and covers 
the adjoining parts with a thin film, as if put on with a brush. It also 
strikes many of the leaves with such force as to cause them to expose 
tc the spray portions of their surfaces that would otherwise escape. 
‘Besides this, by the use of a moderately coarse spray the tree can be 


12 


wet or varnished over in a much shorter space of time than when a 
finer spray is used, and all of the operators that I have conversed with 
on this subject were unanimous in their statements that the time thus 
saved much more than compensated for the somewhat larger quantity 
of the preparation that was required when the coarse spray was em- 
ployed as compared with a finer spray. The evidence, therefore, 
appears to be decidedly in favor of a rather coarse spray. 

But whatever may be the character of the preparation used, or the 
nature of the spraying nozzle employed, the success of the operation 
will depend very largely upon the thoroughness with which the prepa- 
ration has been applied. In the case of small trees it is comparatively 
easy to wet every part of them, but when the trees are 20 feet or more 
in height and have not been properly pruned it is not only difficult but 
quite impossible to wet every portion of them; and, unfortunately, the 
tendency is to use as little of the preparation upon the tree as is abso- 
lutely necessary. On tall trees the operation of spraying is made more 
effectual by the use of tall ladders, so that the various parts of the trees 
can be sprayed from above as well as from below. 

It is well known among those who have had any experience in trying 
to destroy the Red Scale with sprays of any kind that the scale insects 
which are located upon the fruit are less affected by the different 
liquid preparations than those located upon the leaves or bark. 
The reason for this appears to lie in the fact that those located upon 
the fruit, having an abundance of food always within easy reach, are 
more healthy and vigorous than those located upon the other parts of 
the tree, and consequently are better prepared for resisting the destruc- 
tive effects of the spray. That healthy, vigorous insects 2re capable of 
resisting the effects of a destructive agency that has proved fatal to 
their less vigorous comrades there can be no doubt. An instance of 
this kind is given in my report to Professor Riley for the year 1888, as 
published in the Annual Report of this Department for that year. On 
page 128, in speaking of the effects of arseniuretted hydrogen gas upon 
the Fluted or Cottony-cushion Scale (Icerya purchast, Maskell), the state- 
ment is made that “Subsequent experiments made upon perfectly 
healthy trees and insects showed that when the gas was used strong 
enough to have proved fatal to all of the Icerya on the neglected trees 
it did not kill one-half of those on the vigorous trees.” Owing to this 
fact it would be advisable to refrain from irrigating and cultivating in- 
fested orange trees for several weeks before spraying them, were it not : 
for the other fact that in the case of bearing trees such a course would 
seriously interfere with their bearing qualities or operations. Unlike 
deciduous fruit-trees, our citrus trees do not take a rest of several months’ 
duration between the ripening of the fruit and the blossoming of the 
trees for another crop; only a few weeks at the most intervening between 
these two periods in the case of orange trees, while on healthy bearing 
lemon trees both blossums and fruit are to be found at every season of 
the year. 


13 


In the case of bearing orange trees it would appear that the season 
of the year when they could be sprayed with the least amount of in- 
jury to themselves and with the greatest fatality to the red scales infest- 
ing them would be at a time when they were in blossom, after all of 
the fruit of the preceding season had been removed from them. There 
would at such a time be no fruit on the trees for the seale-insects to 
locate upon, so that all these insects that could be reached by the spray 
would be destroyed without at the same time injuring any portion of 
the tree. Several persons who had sprayed their orange trees at a time 
when the latter were in full bloom informed me that to all appearances. 
none of the blossoms were injured by the spray, providing that the 
latter was not used so strong that it injured the leaves, being unani- 
mously of the opinion that the blossoms were_as hardy as the leaves. 
The young fruit is much more susceptible to the effects of the spray than 
are either the leaves or the blossoms, and this is the ease until it becomes: 
at least half-grown. It has been my experience, and also the experience 
of others with whom I have conversed upon the subject, that where the 
conditions are equal an orange tree is more susceptible to the effects 
of a given spray than a lemon tree, the foliage of the latter being 
hardier; whereas in the case of frosts the reverse of this is true. lemon 
trees being greatly injured by frosts that would produce little or no 
effect upon orange trees growing under similar conditions. 

It is a well-established fact that any given spray will not be so fatal 
to the scale insects during the cooler portion of the year as it will if 
applied during the hotter portion. On this account it will evidently be 
found necessary during the winter months to use a somewhat stronger 
solution than indicated in the formula given above ; and probably the 
proper proportions to use during this season would be obtained by ad- 
ding water sufficient to make only 80 gallons, instead of 100 gallons as 
given in the above formula. 

What is true in regard to the effects of the solution upon the insects. 
is equally true of its effects upon the tree, the same solution that would 
not injure the tree if applied during cool weather might injure it very 
severely if applied during very warm weather. As bearing upon this 
subject, I can not do better than to give the experience of one of my 
correspondents, Mr. F. G. Ryan, an intelligent orange-grower of 
Anaheim, in the adjoining county of Orange. .Mr. Ryan used the resin 
compound quite extensively for the destruction of the Black Scale 
(Lecanium olee Bernard), and under date of February 7, 1889, he writes. 
me as follows: 


I want to tell you of a disappointing experience I had with the resin compound. 
On January 21 and 22 I sprayed twelve trees in one quarter of the grove and eight in 
another with a compound composed of 1 pound of caustic soda, 8 pounds of resin and 
32 gallons of water. Afier doing this a hot, drying wind arose and stopped our work. 
The wind continued for several days, becoming milder each succeeding day, and on 
the fourth day I noticed some leaves dropping from these trees; this dropping of the 
foliage has continued and increased until now there is scarcely half the foliage left 


if 


on two or three of the trees, and the others show a loss of from 15 to 50 per cent. I 
argue that as the trees first sprayed show a lesser loss than the others, the probabili- 
ties are that the water and compound were not thoroughly mixed, and asit is my cus- 
tom to keep the inlet pipe of the pump near the top of the solution to avoid the sedi- 
ment, these trees received a weaker solution, as the compound would remain at the 
bottom of the tank until thoroughly mixed and suspended in the water. No condi- 
tions of health of trees or soil affected the loss of foliage, since similar results are 
shown by the trees in the other part of the grove. My conclusion is that the cause 
exists in too strong a solution, followed by hot, dry winds for several days. Since 
the date of spraying there has been no rain nor even a fog or cloud until two days 
ago. Iam happy to say, though, that the bugs are dead. 

That this disastrous result to the foliage was the direct effect of the 
hot drying wind appears to admit of no doubt, since Mr. Ryan informs 
me that when no such wind prevailed he had sprayed a large number of 
his orange trees with a compound made precisely like the one used 
above, and the trees thus sprayed dropped scarcely a leaf. The fact 
that the latest trees sprayed suffered the most indicates not so much 
that they were sprayed with a stronger solution than the others, but 
rather that being sprayed later and being still wet with the solution 
they would naturally be more affected by the hot winds than those 
which were sprayed earlier, and from which the surplus solution had 
had time to drip off, while the remainder would be quite dry before the 
hot wind occurred. ' 

Following is an account of a number of experiments which I made 
with various resin compounds and resin soaps for the destruction of the 
Red Scale (Aspidiotus aurantit Maskell); they were made at Orange, in 
the adjoining county of Orange, upon trees kindly placed at my disposal 
by Mr. H. F. Gardner. The trees in experiments 181-194 contained no 
fruit, but there were green oranges on all of the other trees experi- 
mented upon. 

In making each of these solutions the necessary ingredients were 
placed in the boiler, covered with water, and boiled briskly from two to 
three hours, after which they assimilated well with water; the solution 
was then diluted with the proper quantity of water, strained through a 
piece of barley sack, and then sprayed upon the tree. In each instance 
only a small quantity of solid or semi-solid matter was strained out of 
the different solutions. An exception to this occurs in experiments 185 
and 186, in which the resin was simply dissolved in water over a hot 
fire, after which the necessary quantity of water was added and the 
solution strained, as described above. In dissolving the resin I used 
3 gallons of water for each pound of the resin; at first I tried to dissolve 
it at the rate of 1 pound of resin to 2 gallons of water, but a portion of 
the resin would not dissolve until more water had been added. The 
solution was of a milky-white color, and assimilated well with water. 

The cost per 100 gallons of the different preparations as given below 
is based upon wholesale prices of the different ingredients, furnished 
me by the Los Angeles Soap Company, of this city. The rate on resin 
is by the 10-barrel lot of 375 pounds per barrel; of caustic soda, by the 


15 


drum of 800 pounds; of fish-oii, by the barrel of 50 gallons; of potash, 
by the cask of 700 pounds; and of tallow, by the barrel of 375 pounds. 

(181) Resin, 25 pounds; caustic soda, 3 pounds; water to make 100 
gallons; costs 65 cents. The diluted solution was of a light brown color. 
Sprayed on an orange tree at 11.30 a. m., July 17, sun shining, light 
breeze. August 6, foliage uninjured; found a great many live scales. 

(182) Resin, 33 pounds; caustic soda, 4 pounds; water to make 100 
gallons; costs 84 cents. Sprayed on an orange tree at 11.45 a. m., July 
17, sun shining, light breeze. August 6, foliage uninjured; found great 
many live scales. 

(199, 200) Resin, 25 pounds; caustic soda, 6 pounds; water to make 
100 gallons; costs 77 cents. Sprayed on two orange trees at 10.45 and 
and 11 a. m., August 7, sun shining, light breeze. September 2, found 
great many live scales, especially on the fruit; leaves uninjured; many 
of the half-grown oranges have rusty, brownish spots on their under 
sides, or where they came in contact with each other or with a branch 
or other object. These spots were still present October 19, but whether 
they will disappear or not before the fruit ripens remains to be seen. 

(201) Resin, 33 pounds; caustic soda, 8 pounds; water to make 100 
gallons; costs $1. Sprayed on an orange tree at 11.15 a. m., August 
7, sun shining, light breeze. September 2, same as in the preceding 
experiment. 

(190) Resin 16 pounds, fish-oil 6 pints, caustic soda 6 pounds, water 
to make 100 gallons, costs 85 cents. The diluted solution was of a very 
dark brown color. Sprayed on a lemon and orange tree (7. €. orange 
budded to lemon, but the orange branches not cut away) at 1:30 p. m., 
July 18, sun shining, light breeze. August 6, leaves and newest growth 
uninjured; found ten live scales. 

(191) Resin 22 pounds, fish oil 1 gallon, caustic soda 8 pounds, water 
to make 100 gallons; costs $1.15. Sprayed on an orange tree at 2 p. m., 
July 18, sun shining, light breeze. August 6, a few of the older leaves 
have brownish spots on their under sides; found three live scales. 

(192,195) Resin 20 pounds, fish oil 3 pints, caustic soda 6 pounds, 
water to make 100 gallons ; costs 80 cents. Sprayed on a lemon and 
on an orange tree at 1 and at 12:10 p. m., July 19, and August 7; sun 
shining in the first, cloudy in the second experiment, light breeze. 
August 6, in first experiment leaves uninjured; found two live scales. 
September 2, in second experiment leaves uninjured; found 12 live 
scales on the fruit and 8 on under side of the leaves where they had 
evidently escaped the spray. In both experiments the fruit was as 
described in experiment 199 above, but to a less degree. 

The formula in these two experiments was the same, except that in 
192 one pound more of the resin was used than in 195; but this small 
quantity in 100 gallons could scarcely have affected the results. This 
is the same formula used on September 3 of the present year (1889) 
for spraying twenty-five orange trees, in accordance with instructions 


16 


from Mr. Howard, referred to above. Two of the trees were 5 feet 
tall by 4 in diameter, while the others ranged from 14 to 18 feet tall 
by from 12 to 16 feet in diameter. They were sprayed between the 
hours of 3 and 5.30 p. m.; sun shining, light. breeze. Three hundred 
gallons of the diluted compound were used. A tree 16 feet tall by 14 
feet-in diameter required about 14 gallons of the compound, and three 
men and a spraying outfit will spray about 800 gallons in aday. The 
cost of materials and labor in spraying with this compound a tree of 
the size indicated above amounts to about 24 cents per tree. I exam- 
ined the above-mentioned trees September 24, and again October 
19, and found that the leaves and fruit were uninjured, but a few of 
the oranges had small brown spots on them as deseribed above in ex- 
periment 199.. Nearly all of the scales located on the leaves and bark 
were dead, but about one-fourth of those located upon the fruit were 
still alive. : 

(193, 196) Resin 28 pounds, fish oil 4 pints, caustic soda 8 pounds, 
water to make 100 gallons; costs $1.10. Sprayed on two orange trees 
at 1.15 and 12.20 p. m., July 19 and August 7; sun shining in the 
first, cloudy in the second, light breeze. August 6, September 2, 
and October 19, leaves uninjured; some of the oranges had brown 
spots on them as described above in experiment 199; found only one 
live scale on the leaves, and three on the fruit. 

(202) Resin 21 pounds, fish oil 3 pints, crude potash 4 pounds, water 
to make 100 gallons; costs 85 cents. Sprayed on an orange tree at 
12.30 p. m., August 8; sun shining, light breeze. September 2, 
leaves uninjured; some of the oranges had brown spots on them as de- 
scribed above in experiment 199; found many live scales both on the 
leaves and fruit. 

(203) Resin 28 pounds, fish oil 4 pints, potash 53 pounds, water to 
make 100 gallons; costs $1.15. Sprayed on an orange tree at 1p. m., 
August 8; sun shining, light breeze. September 2, same as in the 
preceding experiment. 

(183) Resin 20 pounds, tallow 64 pounds, caustic soda 63 pounds, 
water to make 100 gallons; costs 98 cents. Sprayed on a lemon tree 
at 12 m., July 17; sun shining, light breeze. August 6, a few of the 
older leaves were injured ; found great many live red scales. 

(184) Resin 25 pounds, tallow 8 pounds, caustic soda 8 pounds, water 
to make 100 gallons; costs $1.22. Sprayed on an orange tree at 12.30 
p.m, July 17; sun shining, light breeze. August 6, leaves uninjured ; 
found three live red scales. 

(188) Resin 17 pounds, tallow 6 pounds, caustic soda 6 pounds, water 
to make 100 gallons; costs 88 cents. Sprayed on an orange tree at 1 - 
p. m., July 18; sun shining, light breeze. August 6, leaves and newest 
growth uninjured ; found twelve live red scales. 

(189) Resin 22 pounds, tallow 8 pounds, caustic soda 8 pounds, water 
to make 100 gallons; costs $1.16. Sprayed on a lemon tree at 1.15 


vam 


p.m., July 18; sun shining, light breeze. August 6, leaves uninjured ; 
found fourteen live red scales. The pup and recently transformed 
adults of the Chalcid fly, Dilophogaster californica Howard, which in- 
fested fully 80 per cent. of the black scales (Lecanium olew Bernard) 
on this tree, were all of them destroyed by this spray. 

(187) Resin 23 pounds, tallow 14 pounds, crude potash 54 pounds, 
water to make 100 gallons; costs $1.10. Sprayed on a lemon tree at 
4.30 p.m., July 17; sun shining, light breeze. August 6, leaves unin- 
jured; found three live red scales. 

(185) Resin 19 pounds, water to make 100 gallons; costs 38 cents. 
Sprayed on an orange tree at 4 p. m., July 17; sun shining, light breeze. 
August 6, leaves and newest growth uninjured, but few of the red scales 
were destroyed. 

(186) Resin 22 pounds, water to make 100 gallons; costs 44 cents. 
Sprayed on a lemon tree at 4.15 p. m., July 17; sun shining, light breeze. 
August 6, same as in the preceding experiment. 


EFFECTS OF THE EUREKA INSECTICIDE ON THE RED SCALE. 


On the Ist of August of the present year I received a letter from 
Acting Entomologist Howard, dated July 25, 1889, requesting me to 
make a test of the ‘‘ Eureka Insecticide,” put up by E. Bean, of Jack- 
sonville, Fla., who would forward me a few sample cans of the insecti- 
cide for this purpose. These samples reached me in due time, and I 
carefully tested the preparation according to directions. One pound 
of it was emptied into a vessel, 6 gallons of cold water added, and the 
whole frequently stirred. After the lapse of one hour I allowed 
the insoluble portion to settle to the bottom of the vessel, poured off 
the clear liquid portion, and sprayed it upon an orange tree at 2 p. m., 
August 7; cloudy, light breeze. September 2 the leaves were unin- 
jured, and I could not discover that any of the red scales (Aspidiotus 
aurantti Maskell) that were encased in a scale or shell at the time the 
application was made had in the least been affected by the spray. 

In a circular received from the proprietor it is stated that this insecti- 
cide is sulphur in solution, a patented process, and that it “is abso- 
lutely fatal to the rust mite, and also to the scale insect during the 
breeding or migratory periods,” providing that the applications extend 
through the entire season. It is possible that this insecticide would 
prove fatal to the recently hatched red scale, but as this becomes cov- 
ered over with a shell inside of twenty-four hours after leaving the 
parent, and as the young ones appear during almost every day in the 
year, it follows that in order to be effective it would be necessary to 
apply this insecticide every day for three or four months consecutively 
—a task which very few of our fruit-growers would be willing to per- 
form. 

23479—No, 22-——2 


REPORT ON INSECTS OF THE SEASON IN IOWA. 
By Prof. HERBERT OsBORN, Special Agent. 


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 


Iowa AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, 
Ames, December 11, 1389. 

Sir: I beg to submit herewith my report upon the season’s observations and study 
for 1889. 

I have during the season made a series of tests of X. O. Dust under directions from 
your office; reports of which were transmitted immediately on completion of the 
tests, and have continued to work, conjointly with yourself, on the insects affecting 
domestic animals. As bearing upon the same general subject, and connected with one 
of the most important industries of the State, and, indeed, of a large part of the 
United States, I have given such time as I could to the study of insects affecting 
meadows and pastures. Believing, however, that more could be accomplished by 
giving attention to some particular group, and considering the great importance 
of the Leaf-hoppers and other Homoptera, and the fact that they have been but 
slightly studied in this connection, I have spent most of the time upon this group. 

The study of these is rendered more difficult in consequence of the great number 
of species as yet undescribed, and the lack of any complete literature upon known 
American species. But for these very reasons there is the more need of their being 
investigated. My results seem meager for the time devoted, but I believe that with 
the material now brought together much more rapid progress can be made in future 
studies. 

Thanking you for the many favors received from your office, I am 

Very respectfully, 
HERBERT OSBORN. 

Pror. C. V. RILEy, 

U. S. Entomologist. 


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 


While no wide-spread devastation has occurred in the State during 
the past season there has been a considerable amount of damage from 
a number of different species affecting various crops and operating in 
different parts of the State. 

Cut-worms of different species were unusually abundant, and I re- 
ceived specimens and inquiries regarding them from different parts of 
the State. They were quite troublesome in gardens, nurseries, and 
fields in this locality. | 

The Turf Web-worms (Crambus exsiccatus), reported on in detail two 
years ago, were again quite abundant, but not so numerous or destruc- 
tive as in 1887. An allied species (Crambus laqueatellus) was quite 

18 


19 


abundant in the adult form in the latter part of May, and there is good 
reason to believe that the larvie have the same destructive habit in 
grass, and, from the occurrence of the imago so early in the season, it 
would seem probable that as in exsiccatus there are two broods each 
season. 

Another moth nearly related to these web-worms occurred this sea- 
son in great numbers in pastures and meadows, and though I have not 
had opportunity to study the larval stage, it may be well to call attention 
to it as a probable grass pest that may prove as troublesome as the spe- 
cies of Crantbus. This is the Nomophila noctuella, and it was noticed in 
greatest abundance from May 18 to 22 (1889). The species has been 
observed as abundant in previous seasons and is probably a pretty con- 
stant inhabitant of grass land. 

During the latter part of May and first part of June the Blue Grass 
in the vicinity suffered from the trouble called “ Silver Top,” the head 
and upper joint of the stalk turning whitish. JI examined a number of 
these withered and partly wilted stalks and in a few cases found Thrips 
present, and in some cases swollen joints appearing as if affected with 
Meromyza, the adults of which were very plentiful on grass a little 
earlier. If due to Thrips, I think they must leave the grass almost as 
soon as it begins to wither, as in the cases where I found them I selected 
stems that were just beginning to turn white. 

The Clover-seed Midge has appeared in this State, and the present 
year is the first I think that it has been destructive. It has been re- 
ported in a few localities and I swept the adults from clover in consider- 
able numbers May 25. A very few were bred from clover heads in 1888. 

Epitriz cucumeris was very abundant on potatoes, but as the vines 
had a very vigorous growth in the early part of the season no serious 
damage resulted. 

Diabrotica vittata and D. 12-punctata were exceedingly plentiful and 
furnished me material for some tests of X. O. Dust hitherto reported. 
J also tried for these a mixture of London purple and kerosene emulsion 
for the purpose of killing the beetles gathered on the squash vines and 
preventing the complete destruction of foliage, depending upon the 
London purple to kill the beetles gathering on the vines later. After 
this application the vines did very well and I think the plan a success. 
The beetles will, some of them, fly away before the kerosene takes effect, 
but they probably all die in a short time. I have since noticed that 
Prof. John B. Smith has used a similar plan for treating the Elm-leaf 
Beetle, and it would seem to be applicable in many cases where the - 
expense is not an obstacle and where it is desired to kill the bulk of the 
insects gathered on plants before they have time to destroy foliage, 
which they must do to some extent when treated with London purple. 

Plant lice of many species were abundant in the latter part of the 
season. Of these the Thorn-tree Aphid (Schizoneura crategt Oest.) was 
especially conspicuous by its abundance on thorn trees. The common 


20 


Willow-Plant-louse (Melavanthus salicis) was brought or sent me a num- 
ber of times, showing that it attracted unusual attention, and the eggs 
deposited by the oviparous females were to be found in numbers under 
the buds of willow twigs in late autumn. Of all the species noticed, 
however, the swarms of the Dogwood Aphid (Schizoneura cornt Fab.) 
were most remarkable. This species is referred to more particularly in 
another place. 


OBSERVATIONS ON INSECTS AFFECTING GRASSES. 


The importance of the pastures and meadows in this State will be 
conceded by every one familiar with its agriculture. Perhaps no other 
single elementisof greater importance, furnishing, asit does, the basis 
for the stock industry of the State. 

The insects infesting meadows and pastures are therefore of the 
greatest importance, and while their depredations are perhaps less con- 
spicuous than those from insects affecting some other crops, I think it 
can be clearly shown that the average annual loss in pastures and 
meadows from insect injuries is equal to if not greater than the crop har- 
vested or the amount consumed by cattle, horses, or sheep in pasture, 
and probably furnishing a total annual loss greater than in any other 
crop. Inordinary pasturage itis common, I believe, to allow two acres 
of land to each cow, or, for convenience, let us say that one acre will 
half supporta cow. At the same time that this cow is feeding there 
are a million insects, more or less, of various kinds feeding upon the 
same area by day and night from the time the snow melts in spring till 
winter forces them to suspend their work. 

The only compensation they can offer is that when dead (and they 
die young), their million little carcasses dropping on the surface of the 
soil return to it some of the material which has been built into their 
tissues, increasing its richness and helping to support succeeding gene- 
rations. | 

In my report upon the Turf Web-worm two years ago, I gave the count 
of burrows that had been opened by squirrels as twenty-five in one 
instance and fifty in another, within a square yard, and it is not prob- 
able that every burrow within those areas had been opened by squirrels. 
The web-worms were, however, uncommonly abundant that season. If 
we reduce the mean of these figures by one-half and allow two web- 
worms to each square foot it means 87,120 to the acre, and then consider 
that these worms cut down quantities of grass that they do not devour, 
it would seem hardly too much to suppose that these alone would prove 
a pretty even match for one half a cow in disposing of the grass grow- 
ing on an acre. 

All are familiar with the depredations of white grubs, and it is hardly 
necessary to ask whether in seasons when these are plentiful they do 
not destroy as much or more than would support at least half a cow. 

Cutworms and Army worms are a constant source of loss in grass 


21 


land, and these with the grasshoppers, familiar to everybody, are capa- 
ble of mowing down a quantity of grass during a season which ought 
to be appreciated by the farmer. Grasshoppers need not be remarkably 
plentiful to place a dozen to a square yard, over 50,000 to the acre, and 
is it any wonder that pastures run short in seasons when rain is scarce 
or grasshoppers a little more plentiful than usual ? 

The kinds of insects so far mentioned perform their work in a way 
that causes an actual lessening of bulk in the crop, but there is another 
host, less noticeable in size as well as in method of work, whose actual 
damage in reduction of available food for stock must be of very great 
importance. These, like the Chinch Bug, which is one of their number, 
simply puncture the leaves or stems of the grass and pump out its 
juices, thereby abstracting much of the best food material even where 
they do not cause a checking of growth and shriveling of the plants. 
Many of these are insects of very minute proportions, but like the 
Chinch Bug make up in numbers for their diminutive size. It is no 
exaggeration I think to say that they occur by the million to the acre. 

A million mouths against a half a mouth, and is it necessary that the 
individual mouth be a very large one to make the aggregate food con- 
sumed equal that of the half cow? 

In order that my figures may not seem purely fanciful, I may state 
that they are derived in part from actual count, but in all cases, when 
count has been made, the circumstances have been such as to make the 
numbers fall short of the actuality. . 

‘I have captured leaf-hoppers on grass by throwing a net down verti- 
eally and counting the number caught within the area inclosed by the 
ring, and while it is hardly possible in this way to secure all that were 
actually within that area the average of a number of such captures 
gives nearly a million to the acre. 

I have many times observed them when plentiful and tried to count 
the number within a given area, but their activity makes this difficult. 
By approaching them very slowly and keeping very quiet, I have on 
some occasions been able to observe them closely and have on different 
occasions been able to count many within the area of a few square inches ; 
often two or more to asingle blade of grass, and consequently I feel sat- 
isfied that the estimate based on the numbers captured are far below 
the actual numbers frequently occurring during seasons when they are 
ordinarily abundant and greatly under the number in seasons when 
they have multiplied to any unusual degree. Itmay perhaps be urged 
that, even allowing them to abound in this degree every season, they 
are too small to consume a very great amount of food. Possibly a mill- 
ion leaf-hoppers would not exceed in bulk the half of an average cow, 
but it should be remembered also that they grow very rapidly and must 
consequently use proportionately large quantities of food, and that they 
extract the most nutritious parts of the grass. That grass forms the 
bulk of their food has not I think been questioned, but to be certain on 


22 


this point I have observed them carefully and examined with partic- 
ular care the grass blades on which I have seen them established. 

On September 7, 1889, | swept grass where no other living plants 
were to be seen and collected numerous Hemiptera of a number of dif- 
ferent species, mostly Homoptera. The grass was very dry, brown, and 
in many places appearing dead, but evidently still furnishing support 
for the leaf-hoppers. There were but few other insects present, scarcely 
any that could be supposed to feed upon grass, except some grasshop- 
pers (Caloptenus femur-rubrum, species of Gidipoda, ete.). The species 
of Homoptera collected may I think be considered as unquestionably 
grass feeders. No other vegetation that could furnish them support 
had been on the ground swept for weeks, and the insects swarmed on 
every square foot. The grass commenced turning brown in patches 
long before it should be expected to, if affected only by want of rain, as 
it showed within ashort time after the lastrains, which had been quite 
regular and copious, previous to the dry period of that time, and its dry- 
ing up must have been hastened by losses due to the presence of in- 
sects. The ground was not yet dry enough so that the grass could 
have suffered from lack of moisture alone. Their presence on grass 
seems to show its effect in two ways, though for one of them it is diffi- 
cult to draw the line between the effects of leaf-hoppers and dryness. 
In one the effect of punctures shows in numerous pale and dry spots on 
the blades of grass resembling effects produced by related Homoptera 
on other plants, apple-trees, pear-trees, grape-vines, etc. Such spots 
ean not be found, however, in such numbers as would be expected if 
there were one for every puncture by the millions of these insects that 
occur in every piece of grass land. But the great bulk of the grass is 
withered or dead down to a certain point near the ground (or to the 
ground), which would naturally be the appearance if the leaf withered 
from the lower punctures to the tip, thus obliterating all punctured 
spots on the terminal portion. 

The difference between grass withering from punctures and from lack 
of moisture is perhaps not sufficiently different to furnish a very safe 
basis for deduction, but in the latter case it is naturally more gradual 
and holds for a longer time the green color of hay, so that for withered 
grass not too long exposed I believe we should be able to distinguish in 
some degree the difference between that killed by leaf-hoppers and that 
dried by excessive heat and lack of moisture in the ground. 

While this may fall short of actual demonstration, I think a careful 
study of the effects in the field will convince any one that my conclusions 
are justified by the facts and that, taking year after year, the amount ot 
injury caused by insects of various kinds is fully equal to the amount 
consumed by the stock ordinarily pastured on the sameland. It is evi- 
dent, then, that the prevention or the reduction of the insect injuries 
would add an equivalent amount to the return from such land. Instead 
of one cow requiring two acres for pasturage,pastures comparatively free 


23 


from insects should support a cow to each acre through the entire sea- 
son. It is certain that much of this loss can be prevented by simple 
and inexpensive means. The capturing of the moths of Turf Web-worms 
and Cut-worms will help much in reducing their number. Grasshop- 
pers can be destroyed at the same time that Leaf-hoppers are, and by 
use of the same means, and it would seem certain that a method costing 
but 2 to 10 cents per acre might be applied with great profit for these 
insects alone. It is my object here, however, to treat in detail only of 
the remedies tried or proposed for Leaf-hoppers. 


APPEARANCE AND HABITS OF LEAF-HOPPERS (JASSID Az). 


The insects embraced in this group are almost afl small and rather 
slender insects, with blunt or pointed heads and well-developed wings, 
which at rest lie parallel along the back, usually sloping like a roof, 
or partly inclosing the body. One of the most characteristic features, 
however, is their habit of leaping when disturbed. All the species pos- 
sess this habit, though some do not leap as readily as others. The largest 
species common to grass are not over half an inchin length, while the 
smaller ones are less than an eighth of an inch long. Many of the spe- 
cies are extremely light and slender, almost invisible except when care- 
fully observed, while others have short, thick bodies. Their colors are 
well adapted to furnish them protection, many being green, others 
yellowish or brownish, and in many cases they will not be noticed at 
all on the grass until they leap, and then it is usually because of the 
swarm that rise together that they become noticeable. All feed by 
puncturing the plant and sucking out the juicy contents of the leaves 
or stems. All, so far as known, puncture leaves or stems of plants to 
deposit their eggs, frequently placing them under the epidermis only. 
The larvee are commonly somewhat spiny at first and have the general 
form of the adults, passing by gradual development with little change 
through pupa stage to adult. Most of the species, if not all, pass the 
winter as adults. 


REMEDIES FOR LEAF-HOPPERS. 


Burning.— For those species of leaf-hoppers which hibernate in grass, 
and especially those which are active there during late fall and early 
Spring, a thorough. burning over should prove of great advantage. 
The Leaf-hoppers leap readily, but do not ordinarily fly any distance, 
and especially when the weather is cool would be unable to escape from 
the flames. In two pieces of grass land burnt over last spring and con- 
venient for observation one showed fairly good results, keeping its color 
well till late in summer, though surrounded by grass land, unburnt, on 
three sides. The other, a pasture of some size, was in poor condition 
all summer; but in this Turf Web-worms and Cut-worms were so 
plenty that they alone were sufficient to account for its poor condition. 


24 


Plowing.—There seems little ground for hoping that the number of 
Leaf-hoppers can be diminished materialiy by any system of plowing 
under, or by rotation of crops. Grass is an essential on every farm, 
and no system of starvation could be adopted, and even if deprived of 
the common pasture grasses, the most of the species evidently thrive 
on the fox-tails and other grasses that flourish as weeds. The leaf- 
hoppers are too active to be plowed under and can readily migrate to 
other fields. Kggs for most of the species, at least, are not deposited 
at any fixed time of the year, and while by plowing under in May, June, 
or August many eggs might be buried, plenty of hoppers would 
escape to the surrounding grass land to keep the farm well stocked. 

Mowing.—When the grass in which Leaf-hoppers have been very 
abundant is cut short, leaving only a dry stubble, the inseets seem to 
be forced to migrate, as few or none can be found in such places a few 
days after the cutting nor untila new growth gives them a source of 
fresh food supply. While eariy cutting of meadows badly infested 
might result in saving a larger crop, if must follow that the Leaf-hoppers 
would travel to pastures or other grass land, and it would be simply a 
question as to where they would do the greater amount of damage. It 
would seem feasible, however, to take advantage of the time when the 
crop has been just removed to use hopper dozers or other means for 
capturing them before they have left for fresh pasture. We know, as 
yet, too little as to where and when the bulk of the eggs are deposited 
to say whether cutting at any particular time would result in the de- 
struction of any number of eggs. While we know that Leaf-hoppers de- 
posit eggs in stems and leaves of plants, we are not acquainted with 
their full history or the methods of different species, so that it would 
be unsafe at present to base remedies on this part of their history. 

Capturing in Nets.—The ease with which all species of leaf-hoppers 
affecting grass can be taken in sweep-nets led me to try thé use of this 
principle on a larger scale. I therefore had a couple of wire frames 
made 3 feet long, fastened a deep cheese-cloth net to each and attached 
these to two long handles, so that the frame of one would brush the 
ground about a foot behind the forward one. The object of having two 
nets was to secure the hoppers which allowed the first wire to pass over 
them before leaping. With the handles the net was pushed forward so 
that the insects were not disturbed till the approach of the net and a 
Strip of ground a yard wide was gone over either at a walk or a run. 
While numerous insects were secured by this plan, Grasshoppers, Moths, 
Clover-seed Midges, and large numbers of Leaf-hoppers, the count of 
those secured from the nets showed that as compared with what must 
actually exist on the same ground as shown by other captures, only a 
portion of the Leaf-hoppers were thus secured, and considering the 
trouble of holding and destroying all the insects captured, I concluded 
that this plan was not equal to the hopper-dozer for this purpose. The 
second net captured a goodly number of insects as well as the forward 


25 


one and probably held them better, as they could not as readily fiy out 
after having entered. It was found that more insects were captured 
when the net was pushed ata ran that when walking. Probably even 
then mazy insects succeeded in flying out of the forward net. 

Nets arranged in this manner, two or even three in succession, might 
be made eight or ten feet long and run by boys, one at each end. The 
forward net should be closed as soon asa stop is made, and the nets all 
closed at the finish, when they may be left a day or two for the insects 
to die. Usually there are enough predaceous species captured to kill 
the others rapidly, and such species could then be set free. Many 
species of insects beside the Leaf-hoppers are caught by this device, and 
some, such as the moths of Turf Web- worms, and Cut-worms, smail Dip- 
tera, Clover-seed Midges, etc., that are not as apt to be taken in the hop- 
per dozer. 

Hopper Dozer.—This simple contrivance (a sheet-iron pan containing 
kerosene and water or coal tar, to be dragged over the infested ground), 
devised for the destruction of the Rocky Mountain Locust, possesses the 
essential qualities for the destruction of the Leaf hoppers as well. I 
believe that it can be used with profit in any pasture affected with these 
pests. The delicate Leaf-hoppers are killed by the kerosene almost the 
instant they touch it, and though my trials with it were made when the 
weather was so cool that the hoppers did not leap with their usual ac- 
tivity, they showed that it would operate successfully. It would be 
best, probably, to use it for these during warm days, when the insects 
are at their greatest activity, and early enough in the spring to catch 
the hibernating adults before they deposit eggs, repeating the opera- 
tion, if necessary, in July, and for meadows immediately after the re- 
moval of the hay crop. Perhaps two pans, one behind the other, will 
prove advantageous. 

The Shield Method.—A plan that is scarcely more than a modification 
of the above has been recently highly recommended for the destruction 
of the Leaf-hoppers infesting grapes. A quite similar plan was adopted 
fer the destruction of the Rocky Mountain Locust years ago and is 
described in the first report of the United States Ent. Com.; and in his 
first annual report as State Entomologist of New York, Professor Lint- 
ner suggests its use for ‘“‘low-feeding insects” ‘especially hopping 
species.” I have not as yet tested it myself, but will give the plan, that 
others may test it for these insects if disposed. A piece of drilling or, 
what would be cheaper still, a strip of building paper is fastened to a 
light wooden frame and is coated with coal-tar or gas-tar, the residue 
from distilling off kerosene from petroleum, or from gas manufacture. 
In case of grape Leat-hoppers this frame is held as near the vines as pos- 
sible by one man, while another lifts the branches. The hoppers darting 
against the shield are caught and killed. For grass Leaf-hoppers the 
frame would be set on runners and could be made 10 to 15 feet 
long and run by a boy or man at eachend. The best angle at which to 


26 


hold it would be soon determined by trials, and if sloping back it might 
be that the underside of the shield, if coated with the tar, would capture 
hoppers as wellas the upper. As coal-tar can be secured in most towns 
at small expense, and as the frame for the shield costs but little, this 
method should be applied at a cost of not more than 5 to 8 cents per acre, 
and could be repeated two or three times during a season if either Grass- 
hoppers or Leaf hoppers become plenty. 

It could be used in meadows or tall grass by mounting the frames on 
runners high enough so that the grass while being bent over should 
have plenty of room to pass under the shield, but would not be likely 
to work well when pollen is flying from the grass blossoms or when the 
seed begins to fall, as the tar would so soon become covered with the 
dust and chaff. 


NATURAL ENEMIES OF LEAF-HOPPERS. 


But little is known regarding natural enemies for these active little 
insects. I have found the common Corisecus ferus very plenty in all grass 
land examined, and where but few other insects were present to furnish 
it food. When ieft in nets with Leaf-hoppers the latter are soon found 
dead, while the Coriscus thrives, and knowing their very carnivorous 
habits, there can, I think, be no question as to their serving a useful 
purpose in killing these as well as other grass pests. As this species 
does not have the leaping habit it is less likely to be destroyed in “ hop- 
per dozers” than the hopping species, and consequently these remedies 
can be used with little danger of destroying this natural check to the 
multiplication of injurious species. 


SPECIES OF LEAF-HOPPERS OBSERVED IN GRASS. 
THE TENDERFOOT LEAF-HOPPER. 
(Diedrocephala mollipes Say.) 


This widely distributed species is perhaps the most abundant of its 
genus, and is unquestionably a source of much loss in pastures and 
meadows. Professor Uhler states its range as ‘‘ Texas, Colorado, Mexico, 
and the southern part of the Atlantic region.” It is one of the most 
abundant insects in the Upper Mississippi Valley, and I have found it 
in great numbers on blue-grass and on prairie grasses, where this must 
have been its principal, if not only, source of food. Other grasses would 
seem to serve it equally well. Professor Uhler says (Standard Natural 
History, vol. II, p. 249): 

The salt marshes of the Atlantic States furnish places of shelter for it, where it 
may be found on reedy grasses in all stages from June till October. 

That it prefers moist places is evidenced by its comparative scarcity 
on high ground in dry seasons, and its greater abundance in the vicinity 
of thickets as well as in low ground at such times. It is about one- 


: 27 


third of an inch long, of a bright grass-green color, the head and thorax 
above yellow. It varies considerably in size, and the females average 
considerably larger than the males. The head is sharply pointed, has 
a number of fine black lines on its upper surface; the face is shaded 
dark brown, and has a double series of transverse bars. 

The larvee which appear to be most common in early summer are light 
green or yellowish, and agree with the adults in having the head sharply 
pointed. I have found them most common in May and June, and, as 
adults are abundant from this time till autumn, it is difficult to say 
whether there is more than one brood. I have not seen adults in winter 
or early spring, and it seems possible that eggs in this and allied species 
are laid in fall to hatch in spring. As this would be contrary to the 
habit of the majority of insects in this family it will require further ob- 
servation to establish it. It is at least quite certain that they do not 
hibernate as adults in grass, and unless eggs are deposited in stems of 
grass or other plants in grass land the insect can not be destroyed by 
burning in early winter or spring. It will be seen that there are im- 
portant points to determine about this very common insect, and means 
of destroying it may depend in large degree upon the determination 
of some of the very simple steps in its life-history. It jumps readily, 
and like other members of the family may be treated on the ‘“ hopper- 
dozer” plan. 


THE NEw York LEAF-HOPPER. 
(Diedrocephala noveboracensis Fitch.) 


This species is a little larger than the mollipes, but resembles it very 
closely. Its head, however, is less acute, and there are four distinct 
black spots on the front margin of the head, two of them close together 
at the tip and one each side in front of the eyes; the lower surface of 
the head lacks the brown color of mollipes, or is but faintly browned. 
Their habits appear to be much the same, and they are often found in 
the same locations, though I have found this species more commonly 
in the grass in wooded pastures or at the borders of thickets. I have 
never observed it in such abundance as I have the mollipes, and ordi- 
narily it is probably of little importance. With equal numbers it would 
of course be as serious a pest as any of the other species of the family. 
Professor Uhler says it is common in many parts of the United States 
north of Maryland and it extends north into Canada and British Co- 
lumbia. 

(Diedrocephala versuta Say.) 

This species bears a striking resemblance to coccinea, and has very 

similar habits, occurring in similar localities, and probably living upon 


the same plants. While Say’s description was published in 1831 I know 
of no reference to the species in works on Economic Entomology, and 


28 : 


no reference that would indicate its occurrence in destructive numbers. 
It ts introduced here as one of a group of insects whose importance will 
I believe be more appreciated when their habits become better known. 


THE RED-BACKED LEAF-HOPPER. 
(Diedrocephala coccinea Forster.) 


So far as I have observed this is not an abundant Species, and while 
evidently common throughout the United States I know of no record 
of its multiplying to numbers sufficient to make it destructive. I have 
found it usually in the vicinity of timber or thickets, and while it prob- 
ably subsists on grasses does not select the open meadows or pastures 
but localities affording more moisture and shade. Itis a handsome and 
conspicuous species, the upper surface when wings are closed being 
largely of a deep red color with dark blue or blue-green stripes. It was 
described under the name of Cicada coccinea by Forster (J. R.), in 1781 
(Novae. Spec. Insect., p. 96), and afterward by Say as Tettigonia quadri- 
vittata. 


THE HIEROGLYPHIC LEAF-HOPPER. 
(Tettigonia hieroglyphica Say.) 


This was quite an abundant species the past season, but the majority 
of the specimens taken were found in the grasses of timber or among 
the low herbage along ravines, grassy banks, ete. 

Professor Uhler says it ‘inhabits Texas, the foot-hills, and plains of 
Colorado from August to October, and the Atlantic region throughout.” 
It is somewnat smaller than the mollipes, usually less than one-fourth of 
an inch in length; the head is rounded in front and marked with irregu- 
lar black crescentic spots and bars. There is much variation in depth 
of coloring and extent of marking so that it is difficult to give a brief 
description that will be distinctive. While it was described in 1831 by 
Say, it has not been so abundant or noted as sufficiently destructive to 
. get a place in the literature of economic entomology. Like many other 
of the species of this family, however, it has been lumped off with 
many of its relatives among the injurious leaf-hoppers, and hence 
should not be regarded as hitherto unmentioned among injurious 
species. 


THE FOUR-POINTED AGALLIA. 
(Agallia quadripunctata Proy.). 


This species appears to be common throughout most of the United 
States, although I am not aware of its having been recorded as occur- 
ring in great abundance at any place. It is, however, one of the species 
which occurs in considerable numbers and does its share toward injur- 
ing the vegetation of pastures and meadows. 


—_—- 


~_ 


29 


Whether it feeds mainly on grasses or attacks also the various plants 
growing with grasses I can not at present say, as it has not been studied 
in such connection as to determine this point. 

It is about an eighth of an inch in length and of a yellowish-brown 
color with scarcely any decided markivgs except two black points on 
the front margin of the head and two similar points at the hind margin 
of the prothorax. These latter points are nearly in line with those on 
the head, though a little farther apart, so that the four points stand 
nearly at the corners of animaginary square. Other points within the 
square are in some specimens quite distinct, but not so conspicuous as 
the ones described. The species appears to have been first described 
by M. Provancher (Nat. Can., [V, 376), in 1872, but it has quite gen- 
erally been known among entomologists as Agallia flaccida Uhl. Mr. 
KE. P. Van Duzee (Entom. Amer., V., p. 167) says: 


This species I have received in exchange from a number of correspondents as 
Agallia flaccida Uhler, and have so used the name myself in exchanging and in the 
List of Muskota Hemiptera. It seems to have been an early manuscript name of Mr. 
Uhler. 

But little can be stated regarding the life history of this species and 
there are probably no important differences between this and other spe- 
cies of the same family. Nearly all the specimens taken or observed 
have been mature, and without rearing it would be uncertain whether 
larve apparently of this species really belonged to it. Adults have 
been taken at different times of the year, and probably it can be found 
in this condition during each month of the year. Mr. Van Duzee says 
in the article quoted above that ‘‘ this is a very abundant species in 
western New York from early in May until September, and in fact the 
year round, as it appears to hibernate in the adult state, as do many 
if not all the Jassid@.” ; : 

I have not found it in grass during winter, and can not say whether 
it hibernates mainly in pastures and meadows or seeks the shelter of 
dead leaves and rubbish in thickets, hedges, ete. 


Agalltia sanguinolenta Prov. 


This little Leaf-hopper has been quite common in this locality during 
the last few years, and while never so abundant that it can be counted 
a serious pest in itself it must be counted in with related species in any 
enumeration which pretends to give the grass-feeding species. That it 
has a wide range is indicated by the following from Professor Uhler 
(Bull. U.S. Geol. and Geog. Surv., vol. I, p.359[93, of part], 1876): “This 
is a very variable little insect, which is not confined to the region of 
the Rocky Mountains, but which has been found likewise in Texas, in 
British Columbia, Canada, and New England.” 

It was described under the name of Bythoscopus sanguinolentus by M. 
Provancher in 1872 (Naturaliste Canadien, [V, 376) and in 1876 by Pro- 
fessor Uhler under the name of Bythoscopus siccifolius. Mr. BE, P.Van 


30 


Duzee has, however, in the Entomologica Americana (V., 166) placed 
this latter as a synonym, and remarks: ° 

Through the kindness of M. Provancher I had the pleasure of examining a typical 
example of his species and have thus been able te compare it directly with Mr. 
Uhler’s description, and find that it agrees in every particular. It is not an un- 
common species here (Buffalo, N. Y.) on grass and weeds in pastures and road sides, 
especially where Carex and Juncus abound. 

It is a little smaller than the quadripunctata and rather broader in 
proportion, and is quite readily distinguished from that species by the 
dark wing veins and the more decided markings on the head and pro- 
thorax. Itis scarcely an eighth of an inch in length and fully one-third 
as wide as long. 

A dark form which differs from the typical ones, so far as I can see, 
only in the greater intensity of the markings is perhaps even more 
common here than the typical form, and this I have found fairly plenty 
and quite active in blue-grass lawn during the latter part of November, 
so that we may be pretty certain that it hibernates under grass and 
probably feeds more or less during mild weather of late fall and early 
winter. It can also be considered as quite certain that it can live ex- 
clusively upon grass, as in the localities where I have observed it it 
could scarcely have been depending on other vegetation for its food. 


THE WAVY-SPOTTED LEAF-HOPPER. 
(Allygus irroratus Say.) 


The propriety of including this species in a discussion of grass in- 
sects may possibly be questioned, since its range of food plants is very 
great. There is no question, however, that plants of the grass family 
are among those most commonly affected by it, and I have found it 
abundant in grass land, where evidently this was its only source of 
food. It will be unnecessary, however, to detail its method of work, as 
it agrees so nearly with other members of the same family, and all 
methods of treatment must be based on similar principles. It may be 
stated, however, that there is as yet no evidence, so far as I knew, that 
it hibernates in grass, and therefore those remedies based on that habit 
in some of the species will not be applicable to this. Descriptions of 
the species were published by Say in 1831, and since that time the spe- 
cies has had frequent mention in entomological works, but only ocea- 
sional reference to it as an injurious species is made, and in these ref- 
erences it is as often spoken of as a grain pest. 


TuE DESTRUCTIVE LEAF-HOPPER. 
(Cicadula exitiosa Uhler.) 


When attention was first called to this species it was from its attacks 
on wheat, but that it is of equal if not greater importance as a grass 
pest seems to me pretty clear after the observations of the present 


31 


season, and it would be interesting to know whether, in the reported 
destruction to wheat, this crop bad not followed grass or whether the 
insects had not simply traveled from grass land. I have taken them 
in abundance from grass, and in blue-grass, where no other living plants 
were near, they occurred in large numbers, so that there would seem to be 
no question as to grass being their natural food. They have been 
reported as abundant and destructive on timothy in Missouri. (INSECT 
LiFe, Vol. I, p. 381). 

They are about two-tenths of an inch in length, of a brownish color, 
and the wings are rather prominently marked with dark veins. It is 
an active species, jumps and flies readily, and is easily captured in a 
sweep-net, and would probably fall an easy victim to the “hopper dozer” 
or “shield,” where these can be used. 

It was described by Professor Uhler in the American Entomologist, 
Vol. II], p. 73 (1880), and a description and an account of its injuries to 
wheat in the Carolinas and Georgia occurs in the Report of the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture for 1879. 


THE HurtruL LEAF-HOPPER. 
(Jassus inimicus Say.) 


Of all.the species of Homoptera that I have observed infesting grass 
this has been unquestionably the most abundant and constant in its 
depredations. It is par excellence a grass pest, and is found in great 
numbers in pastures and meadows at all seasons of the year, even in 
warm days of early winter, being found hopping actively about among 
the blades of grass and probably extracting some slight amount of food 
material even during this season. During the past season they have 
been especially numerous and destructive, or at least my attention has 
been called to them more frequently than before. My notes show them 
swarming in May, June, July, August, and September, and, recently, 
the latter part of November, and, later, December 12. I have found 
them scarcely less plentiful and active in the grass on blue-grass lawn. 
Lobserved them also in great numbers in all the pastures and meadows 
that I examined while in Linn County, in the eastern part of the State, 
in the latter part of June. Actual killing of grass by them is, however, 
a somewhat difficult matter to prove, and, except in seasons of unusual 
dryness, there is probably not sufficient withering of the grass from 
their presence to attract attention. In July and August grass here 
showed injury by turning brown in patches, and this commenced too 
soon after rains to be referred entirely to drought. 

Later in the summer (September.7 and later), when the attacks of the 
leaf-hopper had caused most of the lawn to appear brown, such patches 
were not conspicuous. Examination of the grass where blades were 
not entirely withered would show in many cases brown spots of varying 
sizes, generally with the center on or near the midrib, and from small 


32 


spots of this kind all gradations of withering could be found up to 
where the entire blade was withered or brown. Plenty of these insects 
were to be found even where the grass was comparatively dry, but that 
they preferred the more juicy grass was shown by their accumulation in 
shaded places or where the grass presented more vigorous aspect. 
They could be secured in abundance from patches where no other veg- 
etation occurred, and in the absence of other insects in numbers to 
cause the withering mentioned, there can be no question, I think, as to 
the serious nature of their attacks upon the grass. Even when they do 
not cause withering of grass they must draw seriously upon its vitality. 

I have thus far been unable to separate any definite broods. Adults 
occur during the entire year, and larvie, which may be quite certainly 
referred to this species, may be found associated with them during the 
most of the summer months. Larvee are perhaps most common during 
June and in August and September, but whether there are two broods 
or three, or an indefinite number depending only on the length of the 
season, | can not now say. It seems most probable, however, that 
breeding goes on irregularly all through the summer months, but that 
the adults of spring are represented by only two or three generations 
of progeny, and the’members of the latest broods survive the winter to 
begin the production of new generations in the spring. 

In connection with his description of the species, which was published 
in 1831, Say makes the remark that ‘‘ When in the larva state this 
Species is said to depredate on the roots of wheat. Several specimens 
were sent me by Professor Green in the year 1822, who received them 
from a farmer in Virginia.” 

Considering the wide distribution and great abundance of this species, 
it seems strange that it should have been so little studied or so rarely 
mentioned in works on injurious insects. 

The insect is somewhat less than a fourth of an inch long and appears 
grayish or yellowish gray, and about the most constant marking are two 
dots on the front of the head, two on prothorax, and two on scutellum. 
A form lighter than the typical examples but which seems to me only 
alight variety, has even these dots obscure or wanting. 

The larvee are light yellowish but seem to be subject to about as 
much variation as the adults. An extreme form of larvie, probably be- 
longing to this species, has dark margins to the prothorax and abdomen. 

Several other species of Jasside have been observed in grass, but as 
they are not as yet determined I omit further mention of them at this 

time. 


THE GRASS-ROOT PLANT-LOUSE ALIAS THE DOGWOOD PLANT-LOUSE. 


(Schizoneura corni Fab.) 


Probably the most interesting result of my season’s observations 
from a scientific stand-point, and it may be the most important econom- 
ically, is the determination of the identity of a form of plant-louse in- 


33 ; 


festing the roots of grasses during the summer with one occurring on 
the leaves of dogwood during autumn. The full import of this connee- 
tion from the economic stand-point can not be known till it is determined 
how many species of grasses are affected by the root form and to what 
extent the migration to dogwood exposes it to attack. If its occurrence 
is confined to the annual grasses (and it seems to occur only on these), 
its importance to the farmer will be much less than if itis found to work 
also on perennial species. 

A brief statement of the connection between these two forms was 
published in Insect LIFE (Vol. II, pp. 108-9), but a fuller account, with 
details of observations, is proper at this time. 

My attention was first called to this species on September 15, when I 
noticed the air was filled with small insects, which on capture were 
found to be plant-lice of the genus Schizoneura. Their immense num- 
bers, filling the air as far as could be seen in all directions, naturally 
excited my interest, and I walked some distance in the direction from 
which they seemed mainly to come (which was with the wind), but 
without locating their origin, except to observe that they were resting 
on all sorts of plants and were very plentiful along roads and paths 
where fox-tail and other grasses were plenty. Upon examination I de- 
termined the specimens gathered to be Schizoneura corni Fab., speci- 
mens of which I had gathered a year or two ago from dogwood. It 
seemed difficult, however, to account for such an immense swarm of them 
when dogwood is not especially abundant in the immediate vicinity and 
had not been observed as infested with aphids. In looking over de- 
scriptions of allied species I was struck by the close agreement with 
descriptions of Schizoneura panicola Thos., and, following this lead, I 
examined the roots of Setaria and Panicum on September 16, when the 
winged forms were again numerous in the air. My search was almost 
immediately rewarded with the finding of numerous wingless Schizo- 
neure, aud among them some which showed wing-pads aud two with wings 
partly expanded. These were compared carefully with winged corni 
found flying ard also with corni from dogwood, and showed such close 
agreement that I felt it important to follow the matter up. One of the 
specimens, with wings partly developed, was mounted in balsam for 
future reference; the others, on grass roots, were put in breeding jars. 
Their subsequent history will be stated later on. 

Examinations in the field on the 18th showed lice still somewhat 
plenty on grass roots, though the Setaria examined failed to show them 
in very greatabundance. Examinations the same day, of the dogwood 
in the timber near, showed on the very first bush noticed numbers of 
the winged (pseudogyne) individuals, and with them numbers of small 
larve evidently just extruded. The colonies accompanying each 
pseudogyne contained from one to a number of larvae, but none of these 
could have been more than a day or two old, all very small, scarcely 
larger than when first born, In no case could I find a leaf on any of 

23479—No, 22——3 


34 


the bushes examined which contained any colonies without the winged 
mother or where there was the slightest evidence of the previous 
presence of aphides; no cast skins from old colonies or damaged leaves, 
and every indication went to prove that the winged form had just settled 
upon the trees and begun the formation of colonies. While perhaps of 
little value as proof, it may also be mentioned that no Schizoneure had 
been observed on Cornus this fall prior to this date or before the swarm- 
ing of September 15. A number of branches containing colonies were 
brought in and kept in water for the purpose of folowing their devel- 
opment. This was fortunate, as the colonies on the plants out of doors 
were almost all depopulated a few days later by predaceous insects, 
so much so that the colonies on plants near at hand and on which I 
depended for following the species out of doors utterly failed to furnish 
material for that purpose. Indoors the insects developed rapidly and 
were followed as closely as circumstances would permit. Molting in 
these occurred by the 19th, and apparently only one molt occurred 
before maturity. Only one brood was developed, these becoming sex- 
ually mature September 25. Both males and females were apterous 
and copulation took place upon the leaves and also upon the twigs, the 
females often traveling down the twigs and branches while copulation 
was in progress. In every case the females seemed to travel down the 
branches as far as possible before depositing eggs, and great numbers 
of them dropped into the water in which the branches were kept. In 
the woods I have been unable to find any eggs whatever under buds on 
twigs, and so far as the indoor observations go they differ from those 
recorded by Mr. Weed. Whether this be due to dryness, the insects 
seeking a place of some degree of moisture, can be determined by com- 
parisons under varying conditions. . 

Two weeks after the swarming of winged lice in the air there was 
another swarming, though the lice were not so numerous as at the first 
time. This swarming also followed a rain with subsequent cold. As 
in the preceding case, examination of Cornus in the woods showed nu- 
merous winged individuals starting colonies, though at this time in 
some places it was possible to find the cast skins of previous colonies, 
all of which, however, so far as I could find, had been destroyed by 
predaceous insects or other causes. My search for eggs in the woods 
has been futile, and it would seem that nearly all the colonies were de- 
stroyed before the maturity of the sexual individuals. I have feund, 
however, oval bodies a trifle larger than the eggs, but resembling them 
at first sight, though flattened, but which prove to be a small species 
of Lecanium, apparently undescribed. 

The lice occurring on the roots of grass, and which were placed in 
breeding jar the 16th, were mostly unaltered on the 19th, but in the jar 
I found a fully winged specimen, agreeing exactly, so far as could be 
seen with hand lens, in the living individual, with specimens flying and 
also with those on Cornus. It was transferred to a leaf of Cornus on 


35 


twig inserted in water, isolated from other leaves, and which had been 
carefully examined with lens to see that it was free from larvie, and 
protected by cheese-cloth cover. This individual took kindly to the 
situation, remained constantly on the leaf, and produced a number of 
larvee which developed as rapidly as those brought from the woods, 
agreeing perfectly with them in every particular that I could observe, 
and proving their ability to develop on Cornus. Unfortunately their 
propensity for traveling down the twigs resulted in their being drowned 
in the water in which the twig was kept. I think, however, that their 
developing perfectly on the Cornus leaf, and the perfect agreement of 
apterous males and females so developed with those occurring normally 
on Cornus in woods, is good evidence of identity. 

In the meantime lice had been found in some numbers on the roots of 
grasses not yet dead, especially on Panicum, and many of these had 
been placed in breeding-jars in hopes of securing additional winged 
specimens. While apparently thriving they failed to acquire wings, 
but on September 24 I observed in one of the jars an apterous individ- 
ual, and directly behind it an egg evidently fresh-laid, elongate, oval, 
greenish, polished, like eggs of cornt on Cornus. This was mounted 
with the apterous individual, and in the body of the latter another egg 
was apparent. The egg was laid at the surface of the earth in the jar, 
and similar eggs were found in pill-boxes in which root-lice were con- 
fiied. A close examination of roots, especially those of Panicum from 
the field, enabled me to find a number of small apterous individuals like 
the males on Cornus leaves, as well as the small apterous and oviparous 
females. These occurred with a larger form, exactly like those which 
had been observed to acquire wings, and the conclusion seemed inevi- 
table that these viviparous and apterous forms produced in the ground 
a brood of apterous males and females. These latter were observed 
attempting coition, though in no case did I see the act completed. The 
males are of an orange color, darker than the females, and differ from 
males on Cornus leaves in being shorter, and in lacking the purplish tint 
usually present in those. The females. agree well with females on 
Cornus leaves, but are shorter, have six-jointed antenne, and are 
slightly lighter colored, which would be expected in individuals living 
under-ground. September 28, eggs from these root-forms were more 
numerous, and by October 3 I found them quite plenty in my jars. 
One oviparous female was observed with three eggs extruded from the 
body, adhering by the ends, and the last one still partly within the 
body. They are whitish at first, but turn yellow on exposure, and later 
turn quite dark. 

The eggs seem to be deposited at hap-hazard on surface of earth, 
sides of boxes or jars, and each female appears to produce but two or 
three eggs. 

These observations, I am free to confess, appear to complicate the 
round of life of the species, and to make the complete circle from grass 


36 


to dogwood and back less clearly defined, but such a dimorphism, if we 
may call it so, is not without parallel, and does not seem unreasonable. 
There seems reason to believe that while ‘a large proportion of the 
pseudogynes acquire wings of perfect development, and migrate to dog- 
wood, that there is also another portion in which the wings for some rea- 
son fail to develop, and these from necessity remain on the roots or at 
best remain near the surface of the ground, and the sexual generation 
produced by them at the same time as from the winged ones, or perhaps 
a little later develop by feeding upon grass roots, and deposit their eggs 
where they have themselves developed. As to whether these eggs are 
as successful in their further development as the ones deposited on 
Cornus remains for further observations to determine. Possibly in cer- 
tain seasons they may survive better, and thus provide a double means 
for the preservation of the species. As to the conditions which might 
affect the acquisition of wings we can do little more than speculate, but 
it seems proper to call attention to the possible elements that may fur- 
nish a solution. 

The day before the first swarming of Schizoneura (14th) had been 
very warm in the middle of the day, with a heavy shower in the latter 
part of the afternoon, followed by a steady rain in the fore part of the 
night, and this by a sharp fall in temperature, so that the morning of 
the 15th was clear and cold (possibly a slight frost). The day remained 
cold, but was bright and sunny, and the swarming observed occurred in 
the latter part of the afternoon. Some other aphids were observed on 
the wing, but very few as compared with the swarms of corni. 8S. cornt 
was seen in the air on subsequent days, but comparatively scarce till, 
again two weeks later (29th), after a very similar condition of weather 
(warm, with rain, followed by cold), when another swarming occurred. 
Now, it may be that those individuals, which are at a certain stage when 
such conditions occur, are enabled to acquire wings while those less fully 
developed remain without the full expansion of these appendages. 

In comparing the two forms infesting grass roots and dogwood, re- 
spectively, I have studied great numbers of wingless individuals, 
winged forms and apterous males and females, and have come to the 
conclusion that. they must all belong to the same species. It will, how- 
ever, be in place, I think, to place in position for comparison the differ- 
ent descriptions which have been given of the species to show that, 
notwithstanding the terms used by different authors, and their wide 
separation in time and place, there is no real discrepancy inthem. The 
original description by Fabricius is very short and general, and is as 
follows (Ent. Syst., LV, p. 214, No. 19): 

Corni. A. Corni sanguine. 
Habitat in Corni sanguine foliis. 
Corpus nigrum abdomine basi et subtus virescente. Pedes nigri. Anus absque stylo 


et corniculis. 
Juniores pallid: macula magna, dorsali, nigra, 


Se 


37 


Passerini, in Gli Afidi (1860), describes the root form as follows : 


Schizoneura venusta, m. 

Femina vivipara aptera ovata-convexa, pallide viridis, vel interdum rubella; capite, 
fasciis dorsalibus anticis tribus, macula discoidali quadrata, fasciis posticis duabus, 
punctisque marginalibus nigris. Rostrum crura media attingens. Long., 1’. 

Femina vivipara alata capite et thorace nigris. Abdomen viridi luteolum vel ru- 
bellum, vittis transversis anticis duabus, macula discoidali subrotunda, fasciis dua- 
bus posticis, punctisque marginalibus nigris. Nectaria tuberculiformia nigra. Ala 
hyaline, venis stigmateque nigris. Long., }/”, 1’. 

Nympha lutea, capite et thorace pulverulentis. 

Turmatim in radicibus Setariz viridis, 8. glauce, 8. italics, Panici glabri, Eragros- 
tidis megastachyz et Ceratochlow australis. Autumno. 

Valde similis Schizoneure corni, que autem diversa dorso omnino nigro in apteris, 
et abdominz basi et apice tantum albido in alatis. 


Thomas gives a translation in his work on Aphid, which reads: 


Schizoneura venusta Pass. 

Wingless female.—Ovate convex, pale green, and sometimes reddish; head, three 
anterior dorsal fasciz, a quadrate discoidal spot, two posterior fascie and marginal 
points, black. Rostrum extending about to the middle legs. Length (of body), 1™™., 

Winged female.—Head and thorax black. Abdomen, greenish-red or yellowish; two 
anterior fasciz, a subrotund discoidal spot and marginal points, black. Nectaries 
tubereuliform and black. Length, ~ to 1™™. 

Pupa, yellowish, head and thorax pulverulent. Found on roots of Setaria viridis, 
S. glauca, S. italica, Panicum glabrum, Eragrostis megastachya and Ceratochloa aus- 
tralis in autumy. 

This translation is incomplete and imperfect, especially in the dimen- 
sions, which are given as millimeters instead of lines (twelfths of an 
inch), which would lead one to suppose them about half the actual size. 
So far as I can see, Passerini’s original description*is entirely appli- 
cable to the specimens obtained from roots of grasses here as well as to 
fresh specimens of corni on Cornus leaves. 

Walsh published the following descriptions (in 1862) in the Proceed- 
ings of the Entomological Society of Philadelphia, Vol. I, p. 304. 


Eriosoma? fungicola n. sp. 

From recent specimens. Body black, with a plumb-like bloom ; basal half of abdo- 
men and whole of venter yellow. Antennae and legs black. Wings hyaline with a 
dusky tinge; veins dusky, black on the basal half of the costa; third discoidal hya- 
line nearly to its fork, stigma palish brown. Numerous individuals unaccompanied by 
larve, occurred on a large moist fungus a hundred yards from the nearest trees, 
which were all oaks. Beat solitary individuals unaccompanied by larve or woolly 
matter, on two separate occasions from oaks, which, when dried, differ only from the 
dried specimen of those found on fungus by the metathorax being varied with pale 
greenish, as well as the base of the abdomen. Length to tip of wings .12to.13 inch. 

The antenne do not quite attain the base of the first discoidal when the wings are 
expanded, and the stigma is rather more than twice as long as wide. Six speci- 
mensinall. £. querci Fitch is larger (.16 inch) and is entirely black. Differs also 
from the other described United States species. 


Eriosoma? cornicola, n. sp. 

Differs from the preceding only in the body being entirely black. Numerous indi- 
viduals, unaccompanied by any flocculent matter, and so far as I recollect by larve, 
occurred in September on the lower side of the leaves of the Red osier dogwood. 
Ten specimens. 


38 


Dr. Thomas, inrepeating these descriptions in the ‘A phididz” (Sth Re- 
port State Entomologist of Ilinois, pp. 141, 142), separates the two by 
Schizoneura carye Fitch, so that “ Differs from preceding only,” ete., re- 
fers to carye and not to fungicola. This circumstance is liable to mis- 
lead, unless Walsh’s original descriptions are at hand for reference, and 
may account for the uncertainties that have been stated in efforts to 
determine Walsh’s cornicola found on Cornus. 

Considering that fungicola was on a fungus, a plant never known to 
support Aphides, and that the difference noted by Walsh is such as 
results from greater maturity of specimens that have located on Cornus, 
and further, that fungicola agrees perfectly with both descriptions of 
corni and with fresh individuals found on Cornus leaves, it seems pretty 
certain that these two descriptions refer to one and the same species. 

Thomas’ description of S. panicola, published in 1879 (8th Report, 
State Entom., Illinois, p. 138), is as follows, and is said to have been 
written from recent alcoholic specimens : 


Winged female.—The front wings with the third discoidal veins once forked; third 
vein obsolete at base; first and second veins arising very near each other; stigma 
short, rounded behind; fourth vein nearly straight; costal bent outward to the base, 
leaving arather wide space between it and the subcostal; antenn short, reaching 
about to the base of the fore wing; slightly hairy; third joint rather longeythan the 
fourth and fifth united; sixth slightly longer than the fifth, with a very short, in- 
distinct, blunt spur at the tip; beak rather long, reaching nearly to the hind coxa, 
slightly hairy ; eyes present and of the usual size or nearly so. 

Wingless female.—(Probably not fully developed.) Very broadly ovate and very 
convex, being suborbicular; antenne, reaching about to the end of the thorax, rather 
thick and heavy and not tapering to apical joints, if any difference rather thicker 
than the middle ones; third joint longest but not quite equal to the fourth and fifth 
united; fifth rather longer than the fourth, gibbous on one side at the tip; sixth 
nearly as long as the third; beak, long, reaching fully to the hind cox ; color of the 
alcoholic specimens, reddish-yellow ; eyes minute and black. 

Found on the roots of Panicum glabrum and other grasses by H. [Th.?] Pergande 
at St. Louis, Mo., in November. 

The difference in the length of the beak will certainly distinguish this from Tychea 
panici, even supposing the antennze in the latter to be undeveloped. 

Mr. O. W. Oestlund,in Synopsis of the Aphididee of Minnesota (Bull. 
No. 4, Geol. and Nat. Hist. Surv. of Minn.) describes both corni and 
panicola, and their identity could not be more strikingly indicated. 

S. cornt. 

Head and thorax black; abdomen reddish-black, with a large patch of velvety 
black covering all of the dorsum except three and some of the last segments. An- 
tenn reaching to the end of thorax; not annulated, hairy, with a single row of cir- 
cular sensoria on the under side, about six to the third joint, three to the fourth, two 
to the fifth, and one at the contraction of the sixth; III, 0.30™™; IV, 0.12™™; V, 0.10™™; 
VI, 0.15™™, with the short unguis. Beak reaching third coxa. Wmtngs hyaline, with 
slender veins; cubital obsolete at base; stigma broad and short, smoky. Honey 
tubes a circular opening almost on a level with the abdomen. Expanse of wings, 
67mm, 

S. panicola. 

Head and thorax dusky or black; abdomen pale greenish with some black mark- 

ing above, on the last segment at least. Antenuz reaching to the end of the thorax, 


39 


hairy, third joint the longest, the following subequal; sensoria rather indistinct, 
three or four to the third joint, and usually one or two to each of the following. 
Beak reaching abdomen. Honey tubes as circular openings on level of surface of 
abdomen, but rather conspicuous from being bordered with a ring of black. Wings 
hyaline with slender but distinct veins. Fore wings with the cubital obsolete for 
some distance at base ; stigma short and broad ; stigmal vein but slightly curved near 
the base, straight. Expanse of wings, about 5™™. 

Careful descriptions of the different forms on Cornus are given by Mr. 
Clarence M. Weed (Psyche, V, p. 129), the species being referred doube- 
fully to cornicola Walsh. 

Winged viviparous female (pseudogyna pupifera).—Expanse of wings, 6™™; length 
of body, 2™™; width of body, .80™™; length of antenne, .90™™. 

Black above, except anterior and lateral margins of abdomen, and in many speci- 
mens more or less of posterior portion. Beneath black, except prothorax and abdo- 
men (save a black patch in front of anus), which are dull whitish-brown. Rostrum 
black, except a more or less distinct lighter patch near base, hairy, reaching posterior 
cox. Legs robust, black, except a short brownish space at base of anterior femora; 
thickly provided with brown hairs. Antenne robust, beset with brown hairs. Joints 
IT and II, short, smooth; III, long, with row of tubercles on its cuter ventro-lateral 
surface ; IV and V subequal, with tubercles as on III; VI, a little longer than V, ex- 
cavated on its outer lateral surface about two-thirds distance from base. Wing veins 
mostly brown. Stigma brownish, with interior portion darker. 

Described from many specimens taken October 24, 1887, on leaves of Cornus sanqui- 
nea and C. sericea, where for some time previous they had been very numerous, 
founding sexed colonies. Usually occurring on the under surface. 

Apterous male.—Width of body, 0.50™™; length of body, 0.89"™; length of anten- 
n:e, 0.47™™, 

Body and members brownish or brownish-black, with numerous brown hairs. 
Eyes black. Body flattened, long and narrow, with nearly parallel sides. Antenne 
half as long as body. Joint I, short, swollen; II, small; III,longest; IV and V, 
subequal; the latter excavated on its apical lateral surface. Legs long, robust, 
same color as body. Rostrum robust, reaching anterior margin of posterior cox. 

Described from several living specimens (part taken in copula) from Cornus sericea, 
collected October 24, 1887. : 

Oviparous female.—Width of body, 0.50™™; length of body, 1.14™™; length of an- 
tenne, 0.35™™, 

Green, or greenish-brown, slightly darker anteriorly. Shape, elongate oval; sparsely 
clothed with brown hairs. Eyes blackish. Antenne green, slightly darker apically ; 
joint III longest, V slightly swollen in middle. Rostrum robust, green, darker at tip, 
reaching anterior margin of posterior coxie. Legs unicolorous with body, dusky 
apically. 

£gg.—Elongate oval, 0.56™™ long, 0.20™™ wide. 

Green at first, becoming black by exposure. Deposited on bark, in and about the 
axils of buds and small branches. 

Described from many specimens on Cornus sericea, October 24, 1887. 


These descriptions are so full that I deem it unnecessary to draw up 
another. I may mention, however, that the apterous males usually 
have what I should call a purplish tint with the brownish color when 
alive, due, perhaps, entirely to the delicate bloom covering them. 

The most distinctive character of corni is perhaps the hairy antennze 
and the six or seven circular sensoria on underside of the third antennal 
joint. The number of these sensoria varies slightly, but in the form I 


40 


reared from grass roots and allowed to colonize on Cornus leaf there are 
the full number common to corni and show distinctly. Mr. Oestiund’s 
statement that they are indistinct and but three or four in number 
might, I think, apply to an extreme variation or to specimens fresh from 
the ground. The dark spot on the dorsum of the abdomen is not only 
variable in size but differs much in appearance with the age of the speci- 
men and in dead or preserved specimens. While I am free to admit 
some puzzling questions, I am strongly convinced of the main point here 
claimed. There is certainly much more of interest to be learned re- 
garding the species. I feel that only a beginning has been made, and 
shall watch eagerly for further developments. As the Aphides are so 
uncertain in their appearances and can not be depended upon to fur- 
nish material in abundance in every locality, it will add to the certainty 
of completing the history of this species if entomologists in various 
localities will make such observations as possible the coming season. 
If my conclusions are correct the synonomy for this species will read 
as follows 
(1794) Aphis corni Fabricius, Ent. Syst., IV, 214 
(1860) Schizoneura venusta Passerini, Gli Afidi, p. 38. 
(1862) Eriosoma? fungicola Walsh, Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila., I, 304. 
(1862) Eriosoma? cornicola Walsh, Proc. Ent. Soc. Phila., I, 304. 
(1879) Schizoneura panicola Thos., 8th Rep. Ill. Ent., p. 138. 


SUMMARY. 


Schizoneure abundant on grass roots and assuming winged form in 
latter part of September (15-28) and on several days during this time the 
air was filled with like insects, and immediately following these flights 
apparently identical Aphides were colonizing on leaves of dogwood, 
which had hitherto been free from them. 

Schizoneura (winged pseudogyne) reared from grass roots and trans- 
ferred to leaves of Cornus established colonies apparently identical with 
those occurring normally on Cornus. | 

Schizoneura (apterous individuals) in some number remain on grass 
roots and are associated with apterous males and females, the femaies 
of which are oviparous. 

Individuals of these different forms agree with each other and with 
descriptions of both corni and panicola and differences do not exceed 
the range of variation common to species of Aphididi. 


CONCLUSION. 


Taking all these facts into consideration, I believe that the species of 
Schizoneura infesting grass roots and dogwood leaves and described as 
distinet species are identical. 

That the winged generation of asexual individuals produced from 
grass roots in autumn migrate to leaves of dogwood of different species 
and establish colonies of apterous individuals, which become sexually 

mature and the females of which deposit eggs on dogwood. 


Al 


That the number of broods produced on Cornus in spring (which 
must now be inferred) and the time of return migration to grass are yet 
to be determined. 

That in addition to the migratory winged autumn brood there appears 
to exist under certain conditions an apterous form which produces a 
brood of sexual individuals on grass roots the females of which deposit 
eggs the fate of which is unknown. 


HETEROPTERA INFESTING GRASS. 


THE CHINCH BuG. 


(Blissus leucopterus Say.) 


The Chinch Bug is too well known as a grass and grain pest to need 
any special mention in this connection. It may be noted, however, that 
it prefers the annual grasses rather than perennials, and were it con- 
fined to the noxious Foxtails (Setaria) we might have no reason to 
complain, but its fondness for Hungarian grass is too conspicuous to 
pass over. It does not appear to multiply as rapidly in sod land, though 
I have found it in Blue-grass where this alone could furnish it food. 


THE LONG Bue. 
(Ischnodemus falicus Say.) 


Were it not for its elongated form this species could be most easily 
mistaken for the Chinch Bug, for, excepting this peculiarity, it comes 
nearer in appearance to the Chinch Bug than any of the numerous 
species which have been confused with that noted pest. 

Hitherto I believe it has not been classed among insects of economic 
importance. It is, however, quite evidently increasing in numbers in 
this region and should, I think, be mentioned, at least, in this connec- 
tion. That itis a grass-feeding insect is evidenced by its abundance in 
all stages in grass land where other plants are scarce or wanting, and 
would be expected of an insect so closely related to the Chinch Bug. I 
have found it more common in rather low ground, and especially in the 
wild grasses between upland and bottom-land, or along the borders of 
‘sloughs or small streams. 

Whiie only a fall brood of larve, developing in July and August and 
maturing in September, have as yet been observed, it is probable that, 
as with the Chinch-Bug, there are two broods each year, adults of che 
second hibernating and depositing eggs in the spring. 

If multiplying, so as to become a serious pest, I know of no remedies 
to suggest further than those applicabie to Chinch Bugs, and probably 
the most efficient one would be that of burning dead grass and rubbish 
in the fall. 

There are several other species of the Heteropterous Hemiptera, nota- 
bly certain Capsid@ such as Miris affinis and related species, and several 
species of Lygus, which I suspect will be added to our list of grass pests, 
bnt I have as yet made no eareful study of their habits. 


REPORT OF OBSERVATIONS UPON INSECTS AFFECTING 
GRAINS. 


By F. M. WEBSTER, Special Agent. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


La FAYETTE, IND., Decemder 14, 1889. 

Sir: I herewith transmit my annual report of observations on insects affecting 
cereal grains, made under your direction, during the current year. A more elaborate 
report, treating of the destructive grain insects of the United States, to be prepared 
jointly with yourself, is nearing completion, and the present report is submitted now, 
in order to avoid the necessity of including details in the more important work to 
follow. As usual, Iam under many obligatious for the determination of specimens 
and numberless other courtesies. 


Respectfully submitted. 
F. M. WEBSTER. 


Prof. C. V. RILEY, 
U. S. Entomologist. 


THE WHEAT STRAW WORM. 
(Isosoma tritici Riley.) 


These insects have not been observed by me in any great numbers 
since they were last treated in my reports, and the species is only men- 
tioned in order to record the occurrence of a female of the wingless 
spring form, on the 18th of July, in a field of wheat. 


THE WHEAT STEM MAGGOT. 
(Meromyza americana Fitch.) 


Since the establishment of the fact of a summer brood originating 
during the month of August, and largely, it is supposed, in volunteer 
wheat, considerable emphasis has been placed upon the destruction of 
this legitimate growth of grain. There has, however, been pretty 
good cause for believing that the insect developed also in other plants, 
and this season we have reared the adult from Blue grass, Poa pratensis, 
during the latter part of August. 

Since the discovery of the species there has been nothing placed on 
record relative to its discrimination between varieties of wheat, or 

42 


~ 


43 


whether these insects really possessed any such instinets, the inference 
having been that one variety was as acceptable to them as another. 
Bearing upon this point I have obtained some interesting information, 
which, though by far too slender a thread on which to hang a positive 
assertion, yet forms sufficient grounds for a suspicion that the species 
may possess some exceedingly fine instincts regarding plant tissue. 

In the month of September, 1888, a field of oat stubble on the exper- 
iment farm was subdivided, two plats each several acres in extent being 
sown, the-one to velvet chaff and the other to Michigan Amber wheat. 
Between the two was a narrow strip comprising a mixture of both 
varieties. From the beginning of preparation of the ground to the end 
of harvest this year all conditions excepting seed were exactly the same. 

The attacks of these larve were quite severe during June, and on the 
14th of this month an examination of the plats above mentioned devel- 
oped the fact that in the velvet chaff the destroyed heads outnumbered 
those in the Michigan Amber in the proportion of about four to one. 
Furthermore, the narrow strip of mixed grain intervening showed very 
much the same feature. I confess that I am unable to detect any rea- 
son for this difference in the severity of the attack other than in the 
nature of the straw ; that of the velvet chaff being under ordinary con- 
ditions a few days earlier in maturing, yet it is known among farmers 
as possessing a softer straw than the Michigan Amber, which fact pre- 
supposes the tissue of the stem immediately above the upper joint to 
be to a corresponding degree more tender and juicy at the time of ovi- 
position by the females. 


THE WESTERN STRIPED CUTWORM. 
(Agrotis herilis Grote.) 


The present yeare has been conspicuous for the severity of cutworm 
attacks, especially in corn-fields, the most abundant and pernicious 
species thus engaged being the one under consideration. Ordinarily 
we look for these dusky, semi-subterranean destroyers in fields of re- 
cently broken grass lands, but this season their ravages were not to be 
limited by any such proscribed bounds, and old lands suffered with the 
new. 

On the 28th of May I visited a field of corn a few miles out of the city 
of La Fayette, which had been nearly ruined by cutworms, notwith- 
standing the present was the seventh consecutive crop of corn which 
had been planted on this ground. In fact, so abundant were the pests, 
that from amass of dried weeds and earth, covering a couple of square 
feet, and which had been left by the plows, I took 36 individuals, and 
a clod a few inches away concealed 5 more; the whole number evi- 
dently belonging to the same species. 

The only apparent cause for this congregating in corn-tields, and in 
this one in particular, is that during the ovipositing season last sum- 


44 


mer the grass lands in this section were withering and drying up under 
a terrible drought. This corn-field had been poorly culfivated and the 
lower portions grew up to grass and weeds, thereby forming a more 
desirable locality for the females to lay their eggs. In other words, the 
drought of August and September of 1888 drove the moths to the corn- 
fields to oviposit, and the abundance of worms this year is the result. 

The thirty-six cutworms collected on May 28 were taken home and 
immediately placed in a breeding cage, being fed upon clover during 
the few days they remained above ground. The first moth appeared 
on August 23, followed by others up to the 26th, when a medium-sized 
Anthrax was also observed in the cage. As nothing could be found in 
the literature at hand to indicate that any of the Bombyliide had ever 
been reared from lepidopterous larvee, in this country, its occurrence 
was supposed to be accidental, the larva having been in some way 
taken up with the earth in thecage. It was followed, however, on Sep- 
tember 1 by a second adult, and two more appeared on the 4th, others 
appearing up to the 9th, when all doubts as to the bost of these flies 
were removed by two adults issuing from a couple of chrysalids laying 
on the surface of the soil, the Anthrax leaving their empty pupa cases 
protruding half way out from the chrysalids of the Agrotis. The flies 
may be roughly described as from 10 to 13™™ in length, black, densely 
covered with fine silky hairs, those on prescutum and episternum of 
mesothorax, basal half of abdomen, and tuft on posterior margin of 
penultimate segment being silvery white, changing to yellowish, espe- 
cially on the shoulders. 

The same species was frequently observed, near the middle of Sep- 
tember, hovering about over the surface of the ground under trees 
recently denuded of their foliage by the larve of Datana ministra, 
thereby conveying the impression that they might be parasitic upon 
that species also. * 

As nothing whatever is known of the time and method of oviposition 
of the Bombyliida, it will only be safe to say that the eggs were depos- 
ited either on or about the bodies of these cutworms prior to the 28th of 
May. 

In a most excellent paper by Dr. Riley, in the Second Report U.S. 
Entomological Commission, pp. 262-269, larvee of an allied species is 
mentioned as infesting the egg-pods of Caloptenus spretus, being found 
» of different sizes during most of the year. From rearing this species, 
Systechus oreas, O. S., Dr. Riley concludes that, ‘as a rule, but one year 
is required for fuli development ;” but there is great irregularity and ‘a 
tendency to retardation of such development. 

Should the species under consideration be of similar habits, the eggs 
would, as a matter of necessity, have been deposited Jast fall, the larvee 
wintering over in the bodies of these cutworms, which are not usually 
over half grown at the beginning of winter. If this be true it is 
certainly an interesting feature of parasitism. 


“dns eer ine 


45 


THE ARMY WORM. 


(Leucania unipuncta Haw.) 


With the rapidly increasing area of low, wet lands, which are being 
under-drained aud brought into cultivation, the natural haunts of this 
species becomes more and more encroached upon. What the ultimate 
effect of this change of natural conditions will amount to in the future, and 
whether or not it will have a tendency to scatter the spring brood of 
moths in their selection of places of oviposition, only future years will 
answer. In accordance with the characteristic partiality of the species 
for low, damp localities, the outbreaks in Indiana this year have been 
restricted to the lower laying and flatter portions of the State, where a 
very considerable part of the land remains undrained, except by open 
ditches. While this state of affairs has been going on, the fact that dry 
seasons are favorable to the increase of the species has been amply 
demonstrated. The last two summers have been unusually dry, and 
the spring of the present year, up to May 30, was exceedingly dry, mak- 
ing three consecutive years of drought, during all of which this pest has 
appeared in various portions of the State, the maximum injury being 
caused the present summer. During this period, also, we have had wet 
springs and dry summers and dry springs and wet summers, proving 
conclusively that wet weather has little if any direct influence upon the 
increase or decrease of numbers. In short, it is difficult to resist the 
suspicion that this ebb and flow, so to speak, may be due more to the 
fluctuation of natural enemies than to the direct influence of meteoro- 
- logical conditions, severe droughts excepted. 

In the vicinity of Princeton, Ind., where considerable damage was 
done last year, there occurred this season only one weak, aborted out- 
break, in a small field of rank growing timothy grass. A slight attack 
three years ago on the borders of a large tract of swampy land in 
the vicinity of La Porte, Ind., was not followed by others, either last 
season or this, although this year similar and more serious outbreaks 
occurred in that immediate section of the State, and within a few miles 
of the same locality. Such phenomena can not be wholly attributed to 
meteorological conditions, most certainly. The most efficient parasites 
of the army-worm are two species of Tachine, and we have reared both 
plentifully this season. The local effects of these parasites is probably 
more lasting than we are given to suppose. <A circumstance came under 
our observation recently where the attack of a similar species of Tachina 
on the larve of Datana ministra, infesting an isolated walnut tree, was 
such that the tree has been free of the caterpillars since 1885. If the ef- 
fects are equally lasting in the case of the army-worm it will be difficult 
to foretell their appearance in dangerous localities, even in seasons sup- 
posed to be most favorable. 

Again, the secret of the power of the army-worm to destroy is in their 
massing together in endless numbers. Were it not for this they would 


46 


not be more destructive than others of the group of cut-worms to which 
they belong. As stated in the beginning, the prevailing system of 
underdrainage has at present a tendency to emphasize this gregarious 
habit by restricting the area of wet grounds. 

Whether this will continue to be the case, or whether, after a time, 
the effect will be to break up the habit of massing into large swarms, 
and diffuse them into smaller and less destructive colonies, remains yet 
to be seen. 

The heaviest damage has this season, here in Indiana, fallen upon 
the rye crop, a state of affairs which has excited much comment among 
farmers. The reasons for this seemingly general selection of this 
crop, for depredation by the worms, are (1) on account of its hardy na- 
ture, rye is often sown on these swampy or mucky lands, as it with- 
stands the weather there better than any other crop; and (2) by na- 
ture itis arank grower, and, therefore, a field in spring presents to the 
female moth all the requirements of a suitable locality to place her 
eggs, viz, where her progeny will have an abundant supply of succu- 
lent food, in a damp place and shaded from the direct rays of the sun. 
In all fields of rye examined which have been ravaged by the army- 
‘worm, the latter were found to have originated in the fields themselves 
and had not migrated to them. Cases were not uncommon, however, 
where the worms originated in grass lands and from thence invaded 
fields of wheat and oats. | 

The prospect of controlling the outbreaks of the army-worm in the 
future seems encouraging, provided the farmer is perfectly familiar 


with their habits. Much of the damage done might be prevented if 


decided measures were taken at the start. The trouble is that too 
often the farmer wastes the most precious time in waiting to see what 
the worms are going to do, and by the time he finds out they are beyond 
control. 

So far as I have been able to learn, where a neighborhood has turned 
out en masse, and taken decisive measures to destroy the worms, little 
injury has been done. These measures have consisted in ditching 
around the infested area and either flooding the ditch with water, or 
otherwise destroying what fell into it, and driving stock over the area 
inclosed by the ditches, whereby vast numbers of worms were crushed. 
From pup obtained in Fulton County the following parasites were 
reared: Ichneumon brevicinctor Say, Nemorea leucanie and Drymeia 
sp?. Ophion purgatus Say, also a parasite on Leucania, was this year 
reared from pupa of Scoliopteryx libatrix. 


THE FALL ARMY-WORM. 
(Laphygma frugiperda Ab. and Sm.) 


In 1885 and again 1889, we found larvee of this species feeding on the 
tassels and unfolding leaves of young volunteer corn, late in Septem- 
ber, in the vicinity of La Fayette, Ind. In both cases we reared adult 


ee ee 


Me wx 


47 


moths from the larve, the former appearing during late October. These 
breedings would seem to indicate that at least some of the fall brood 
may winter over in the adult stage. 


A NEW CUT-WORM. 
(Luperina (Hadena) stipata Morr.) 


On May 28, while searching for Sphenophorus in a field of corn 
planted on recently broken prairie sod, a depredator was found which 
both in itself and method of work was new to me. Though the young 
corn was at the time several inches high, many of the plants were with- 
ering and dying, but aside from this neither the plant itself nor the 
earth about it gave the least indication of the presence or nature of the 
destroyer. Digging down in the earth about the hills, one or more of 
the shoots would be found wholly or partly eaten off, either near or a 
short distance above the seed, and in a single instance the seed kernel 
itself was observed being eaten. The method of attack appeared to be 
to first eat into the tender stem and then to burrow upward, after the 
manner of Gortyna nitela, above ground, and as soon as one plant was 
consumed another was attacked, without the worm coming to the sur- 
face. The larve were rather slender, from half to three-fourths of an 
inch long, quite active and in general coloration somewhat resembling 
the larvee of Orambus zeellus, but being more robust, spinning no web 
and living wholly under ground. Larve taken from the field June 8, 
continued feeding in confinement until early in July, and the moths 
appeared in the breeding cage about the 25th of the same month. On 
account of being absent from home much of the time between the mid- 
dle of June and 20th of July, it was impossible for me to get exact 
dates. 

My own collections of larvie were from recently broken prairie sod 
only, none being found in timothy or blue-grass sod adjoining. Farmers 
in the vicinity of this field state, however, that the worm does work in 
timothy sod, and serious damage in a fall-plowed fisld was attributed 
to their work. 

Under date of June 15, Mr. J.C. Besom, of Anderson, Madison County, 
Ind., wrote me that a kind of Cut-worm had appeared in his fields 
which he had never observed before. They began working on clover 
sod, about May 10, and destroyed the first planting of corn, and were: 
at the date of writing making way with the second planting, working 
underground and eating the plants from the roots upward to the sur- 
face of the ground. 

The larve are whitish, striped on the back with brown, head and 
cervical shield yellowish. Their general form is more slender and longer 
than that of ordinary cut-worms, being nearer that of Gortyna, 


48 


(Crambus zeellus et al.) 


While natural enemies of the larve of various species of Crambus 
have been recorded, those attacking the adult moths are, so far as pub- 
lished record goes, rather limited in point of numbers. 

One of the probable enemies of our corn destroying Crambus is a 
Neuropter, a Bittacus near stigmaterus. During August Mr. W. O. 
Pritz brought me an example which he had observed to attack a female 
moth, chasing her about, finally worrying her down and killing her. The 
remains of the moth when brought to me were too much mutilated to 
determine. 

Mr. J. N. Latta, of Haw Patch, Ind., tells me that the moths of 
Orambus laquealellus, which I observed in abundance in his yard, were 
destroyed in great numbers by the Wood Pewee, Contopus virens L. 


THE WHITE GRUB. 
(Lachnosterna spp. ?) 


The present season has been marked by the most serious depreda- 
tions of these pests that has occurred for many years. Pastures, mead- 
ows, and corn-fields have suffered in some instances to the extent of 75 
per cent. of the crop. Fields this season devoted to corn, but for thirty 
years previous under cultivation, continuously producing some one of 
the cereal grains, have been very seriously damaged, large areas of the 
corn withering and dying in the hill during August and September, 
from five to twenty grubs being found in and about a single hill. As 
early as May 13, at the Experiment Station, they were destroying 
young barley growing on a plot of ground which had produced a crop 
of this grain for the six preceding years. Adjoining this plot of bar- 
ley was another which had been devoted to oats during the same pe- 
riod, but which was only slightly attacked. A precisely similar plot of 
buckwheat, which had produced the same crop for the same period, 
was found also invaded, and on July 24 the grubs were found in the 
act of cutting off the plants, now several inches in height. 

A number of experiments were made with various substances with a 
view of determining the possibility of destroying the grubs without in- 
jury to the plant infested. Corn was the plant used in these experi- 
ments, being at the time the most convenient to obtain; the substances 
used, however, had they been ever so effective, could hardly be applied 
with practical advantage by the extensive farmer. 

Experiment No, 1.—Placed a grub about the roots of a single plant on 
May 14; two days later, applied a sufficient amount of air-slaked lime 
to the surface of the ground to cover very lightly, watering thoroughly. 

Result, May 22, plant killed but the grub uninjured. 

Experiment No. 2.—Placed grub about roots of plant May 14; two days 
later applied table salt in solution at rate of 235 pounds per acre, 


49 


Result, five days later, plant and grub alike uninjured. A second 
application killed the plant but not the grub. 

Experiment No. 3.—Placed grub about root of plant May 14; two days 
later applied fresh unleached ashes to surface of ground in sufficient 
quantity to cover lightly. 

Result, five days after, plant and grub alike uninjured. 

Reperiment No. 4.—Single grub placed about roots of plant May 14; 
two days later applied 4 ounces gas-tar water. 

Result, next day, plant killed; grub uninjured. 

Hxperiment No.5.-—Single grub placed about roots of plant May 14; 
twodaysafter earth about roots thoroughly saturated with tobacco water. 

Result, five days after, plant and grub alike uninjured. 

EHxperiment No. 6.—Single grub placed about roots of plant May 14; 
two days later applied 1 drachm Diamond soluble bone* in solution. 

Result, six days later, plant and grub unaffected by application ; 
grub eating off the roots. 

Experiment No. 7.—Grub placed about roots of plant May 14; two 
days later 4 ounce carbon bisulphide poured in hole made in earth near 
roots and immediately refilled with earth. 

Result, second day after, plant and grub both dead. 

EKxperiment No. 8.—Single grub placed about roots of plant May 14; 
two days after thoroughly saturated the soil with ammonial water of 
1.025 specific gravity, 2.68 per cent. ammonia reduced 75 per cent. 

Result, three days after, piant killed but the grub was alive and active. 

Huperiment No. 9.*—One grub placed about roots of plant May 22 
and one drachm of phosphate salt applied in solution to the soil about 
roots. On 23d, corn was being destroyed by the grub and the next day 
the plant was wholly eaten off while his grubship appeared uninjured. 

Experiment No. 10.t—Single grub placed about roots of plant and one 
drachm of fertilizing salt applied in solution to soil about roots. 

Result, two days later, plant withering, grub all right but had not fed 
from plant. which soon died. 

Experiment No. 11.—Grub placed about roots of plant May 22; soil 
at once saturated with solution of powdered Pyrethrum and water ; 
1 ounce of powder to gallon of water. 

Result, two days later, neither plant nor grub injured. 

Experiment No. 12.—Grub placed about roots of plant May 22; next 
day the soil about the roots was drenched with decoction of Burdock 
leaves. 


* Analysis: Per cent. 
Walla en OspHOr Gra Cl Cea nstsecinisce oe-inie snc ecinuaseeeelas ee -mele ee ai 13 to 15 
ihisolnialeEphosphonie aelden eames ese ea nice ome ee sueiecee == eee = lto 3 
ANE et eee ne a Grn ee Ne sear enic nae mnie oie anim craielay sie atafemisiesaaiapsijes Sa. LOnuOnhg 
JN BRTNOIN AS GSS Sept SEL OE aE TO ee ee i eR ea ARDY oct | 


-tThe phosphate salt and fertilizing salt used in experiments 9, 10, and 14, were sent 
to the Indiana experiment station by the manufacturer, E. S, Fitch, Bay City, Mich., 


23479—No, 22——4 


50 


Result, two days later, plant untouched ; grub active, but seemingly 
unaffected by application. 

Experiment No. 13.—October 6, earth in field in the vicinity of wheat 
plants being destroyed by white grub, thoroughly drenched with decoc- 
tion of Burdock leaves. . 

Result of examination on October 14: The grub was found a short 
distance from the plants uninjured, it having evidently destroyed several 
after application of liquid. 

Experiment No. 14.—October 3, earth about wheat plants, being de- 
stroyed in field by white grub, thickly covered with fertilizing salt and 
drenched with water. 

Result of examination October 14 exactly as in the preceding, except 
that the grub was at a greater distance from plants. 

Up to the present time, no Dipterous parasite has been recorded as 
preying upon white grubs, as the subterranean habits of the pest con- 
tributes to its protection in this respect. There is, however, pretty 
good evidence that there is at least one species of fly which exists to 
some extent in holding these grubs in check. On September 21, while 


who advertises both as not ouly being excellent fertilizers, but also very destruc- 
tive to insect life, especially chinch-lugs and cut-worms. 
The following analyses were kindly made for me by Prof. Henry A. Huston, chemist 
of Indiana experiment station: 
I. Phosphate salt. 
A. Qualitative analysis. 


Bases present: Acids present: 
Calcium, Hydrochloric, 
Sodium, Sulphuric, 

Iron, trace, Carbonic, 
Aluminium, trace, Silicic, trace, 
Magnesium, trace, Phosphoric, trace. 


Organic matter, trace. 
Principal constituents: Common salt, gypsum, carbonate of lime. 


B. Per cent. phosphoric acid present, .03. 
Il. Fertilizing salt. 
A. Qualitative analysis. 


Bases present: Acids present: 
Sodium, Hydrochlorie, 
Calcium, trace, Sulphuric, trace, 
Organic matter, trace, Silicic, trace. 


Phosphoric, slight trace. 
Chief constituent: Common salt. 
B. Quantitative analysis. 


Per cent. 

Salti(Na@l) coco ae = meinem sae olen oa mie inl ole me mlm ale nim iminielin elle 97.70 
Gypsum (CaS) 222 6<.- <p mcee wee steiemiel ss = = =a! eeleeee else sls ie ae plone 44 
Insoluble matter:- <=: .ccoceusceceicc secs occ caves eee Renate eee % aay 
MOIsture <22 2222523. sess wee eee e meinen oles mentee stalo hie aisles ate eee eee tn 1. 09 
Soluble organic matter, and loss-=-2<..--+->- ess -- oe eee en eee eee eee . 30 
Total scccen sepccnecee ceo eeee et ee ee eye eee eae eee eee 100. 00 


Samples drawn at experiment station from full sacks, special care being taken to 
insure fair samples. Neither of these samples contain an appreciable amount of 
phosphoric acid, potash, or nitrogen, 


j 


51 


collecting material for experimentation, in a field seriously damaged by 
grubs, we found a hill of corn, which, though it contained none of the 
depredators, bore every evidence of having been destroyed by them, 
as other hills in a similar condition about it contained from 5 to 10 in- 
dividuals. Instead, however, a larva of a species of Hrav, near bastard, 
was found. As the larvee of Hrax are known to be carnivorous, we can 
only conclude that the one found had made way with the grubs, but 
not until after the latter had destroyed the corn. 

THE VARYING ANOMALA. 

(Anomala varians, Fabr.). 

The only record of this species, as a grain destroying insect occurs in 
the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for 1884, p. 412, where 
Mr. Eugene F. Barns, of Marion, Marion County, Kans., reported the 
beetle as working serious damage to wheat in the field during the month 
of June, destroying 1,000 bushels for one farmer. 

These beetles oceur generally over the State of Indiana, and we have 
frequently met them hovering on heads of wheat in the field, but never 
remarked any serious injury. In this State the adult insects are preyed 
upon by one of the Asilidew, Laphria tergissa Say, and we have several 
times caught these flies on wing with one of the beetles in their clutches, 
their beak puncturing the body of their victim. 


THE WHEAT WIRE-WORM. 
(Agriotes mancus, Say.) 


A number of experiments were made with a view of learning the 
effect of the applications of salt, as against the larvee of this species. 

The method employed was to place a number of kernels of corn in 
earthen pots, and transport larve from the fields, where they were en- 
gaged in destroying wheat, placing them among the corn in these pots, 
the salt being applied in different quantities to the surface of the ground. | 

Experiment No. 1.—April 26, six kernels of corn, and two wire-worms 
nearly full grown, were placed together in a pot filled with earth, the 
latter being saturated with water from beneath. Common barrel salt 
was then applied to the surface of the soil, at the rate of 940 pounds 
to the acre. May 1, watered from above. 

Result, the pot was examined May 7, and both worms found unaf- 
fected, they having in the meantime eaten nearly all of the corn, the 
uninjured kernels failing to germinate. 

Experiment No. 2.—This was made at the same time as No. 1, all con. 
ditions being the same, except that salt was applied at the rate of 470 
pounds per acre. 

Result the same as in experiment No. 1. 

Experiment No. 3.—May 7, placed three of the larvie used in the pre- 
ceding experiments and one fresh from the field, with corn in pot of 
earth, saturating the latter from below, and covering surface with salt 
in the proportion of 24,500 pounds per acre, 


52 


Ntesult five days later; the worms were alive and as active as they 
ever were. Corn slightly eaten, but none showing any indication of 
growing, while kernels from same ear planted in unsalted soil were 
sprouted. The corn used in all experiments was from the same ear. 


Drasterius elegans Fab. 


The larva of this species has been mentioned in my previous reports 
as destroying other insects, and themselves injuring young corn. In 
the present instance they were found exceedingly abundant, on Novem- 
ber 15, near New Castle, Ind., where they were evidently working seri, 
ous injury to a field of young wheat, sown in growing corn about Sep- 
tember 5. This field had produced three consecutive crops of wheat- 
then the present crop of corn, among which the young wheat was grow- 
ing. It was true the wheat was seriously infested by Hessian fly, and 
therefore the question may arise as to whether the worms were not de- 
stroying these; but the damage to the field was by far too great to 
have been done by the fly alone, and many of the plants had been eaten 
off below the ground. 

With this new revelation regarding their food habits, it seems prob- 
able that a part of the wire-worm injuries to wheat sown among corn 
may be due to this species, instead of the preceding. 


THE TWELVE-SPOTTED DIABROTICA. 


(Diabrotica 12-punctata.) 


The adults of this species have been observed in greater abundance 
than ever before. Gardens and fields have been literally overrun with 
them. The sexes were observed pairing as early as the 17th of April, 
thereby promising larvee sufficiently early to attack young corn, even 
though pianted at the usual time. The list of food plants has this sea- 
son been observed to include the following, not previously reported : 
Wheat, cabbage, cauliflower, and beans; an adult was also observed 
feeding on volunteer oats Deceinber 14. 


THE SWAMP SPHENOPHORUS. 
(Sphenophorus ochreus Lec. ) 

Few insects afford a better illustration of the fact that a comparatively 
harmless species may, by force of circumstances, suddenly become ex- 
tremely injurious. Known to the entomologist since 1858, and by no 
means a rare insect, its habits unstudied because of its secluded haunts 
and valueless food plant, the species appears to have been overtaken by 
this progressive decade in agriculture. 

The swamp composing the field which formed the basis of the study 
of this insect was brokén up some thirty years ago and two crops of 
corn raised on it without damage from insect attack, after which, by 
reason of being too wet, it was allowed to revert back to its original 
state. Fifteen years ago a second attempt was made to bring it into 
cultivation, and a single crop of corn raised from a portion of it, this 
time the insects being noticed, but doing no material injury. The land 


5) 
53 


was again allowed to go back to its primitive state, and remained thus 
until last season, when, after being drained, a portion was broken and the 
remainder brought into cultivation the spring of the present year, with 
the results here given. 

Other fields of swamp jand, in the same neighborhood, have suffered 
in the same manner as this one, but there is at present no information 
of serious damage until within the last three or four years. 

The first published notice of the destructive habits of these insects is 
found in a brief notice which appeared in several agricultural papers 
during July, 1888, to the effect that Professor 
Forbes had found them to be very destructive 
to corn planted on recently drained swamp 
lands in Illinois, the adult feeding upon a spe- 
cies of rush (Scirpus) and a common reed (Phrag- 
mites), and when these were destroyed they 
transferred their attention to the young corn. 

On May 23, adult beetles were 
sent me by Mr. Quincey farl, a far- 
mer residing near Dayton, Ind., a 
small village about 8 miles from 
La Fayette, with the statement 
that they were destroying his corn. 

The beetles were at once con- 
fined with corn plants growing in 
flower pots, the males proceeding 
to bury their snouts into the ten- Fic. 1.—Sphenophorus oehreus: a. larva; b, adult— 
der stems, near the surface of the sie pa wee 
soil; but the females, to my utter astonishment, burrowed down into 
the earth, out of sight, and staid there. 

Stormy weather prevented my visiting the locality until June 2. The 
infested field comprised about 75 acres of recently drained swamp land, 
plowed the present spring, except a small portion which had been de- 
voted to corn the previous year, and the first avd second planting de- 
stroyed by the beetles. On that portion of the field plowed this spring 
the young corn was not yet up, but on that portion which had been cul- 
tivated last year and planted earlier this year than the newer-plowed 
portion, the young plants had been totally destroyed, the lack of their 
natural food having evidently driven the insects to this part of the field, 
as other fields in the vicinity had not suffered the second year after the 
ground was first broken, although the first crop had been destroyed. 
At the time of my visit the beetles were feeding on a species of rush, 
Scirpus atrovirens, Muhl., puncturing the stems just below the surface 
of the ground and eating out the tender, folded leaves. The sexes were 
pairing, but I could get no eggs. A large number of adults of both 
sexes were taken home, as also were specimens of the Scirpus, including 
the roots, which are bulbous and exceedingly hard and compact. These 
plants were placed in flower-pots, and on each was placed a single pair 


54 


of adults. The next day the males were engaged either in pairing or 
feeding upon the Scirpus, but the females, when not paired with the 
males, had burrowed down into the earth, out of sight. 

On a second visit to the infested field, June 11, but few females were 
to be found above ground. The young corn was coming up well, but 
being rapidly destroyed by the males and a few females, except where 
Scirpus was growing in sufficient abundance to provide an ample sup- 
ply of food. 

Absence from home, from the middle of June until the middle of July, 
not only interrupted my observations, but a press of other work pre- 
vented my visiting the field again until August 21, both plants and 
beetles in pots having in the mean time died. 

As aresult of this last visit I found two adults, one of which was feed- 
ing on a small dwarfed stalk of corn and the other on Scirpus atrovirens. 
An examination of the root of this reed re- 
vealed full-grown larve (Fig. 1, a) and fully 
developed adults still within the bulbs. Other 
bulbous roots of the same plant gave evi- 
dence that the adult had only recently quitted 
its birthplace. Hurrying home, my plants in 
the flower pots, long ago dead, dried up and, 
as I thought, worthless, were examined and 
in nearly every one was found a fully devel- 
oped adult, none of which had escaped from 
the bulbous roots wherein they had devel- 
oped. (Fig. 2.) 

Still another visit to this field on August 
30 confirmed all previous observations, and 
a Single pupa was also found in a bulb of the 
Scirpus. 

From what is known of the habits of other 
species of this- genus, coupled with the fact 
Fic. 2.—Work of Sphenophorus that fields of. corn are not attacked by the 

ochreus in roots of Scirpus—nat- heetles after the first year following the 

er breaking of the ground, it seems highly im- 
probable that there should be more than one annual brood. This being 
the case, its life history will likely be as follows: The insect hibernates 
in the adult stage, coming forth from its hiding places in spring, the 
females depositing their eggs during May and June in the roots of 
Scirpus. The larve hatching from these develop to adults and emerge 
in about three months. 

From the vast differences existing between the plant in which the 
species breeds and that of the corn plant, the great improbability of 
the insect ever breeding in corn wiil at once be seen. The whole prob- 
lem of prevention seems to settle in the destruction of these reeds, 
root and stem, the season prior to devoting the ground to corn. The 
eggs are as a rule deposited in bulbs formed the preceding year, and 


ee. 


55 


we have found healthy adults in bulbs after the latter had been thrown 
out by the plow and lain in the sun for over a month. We have also 
found them developing in bulbs in ground plowed in May and again 
in July, indicating that little or nothing can be accomplished by sum 
mer fallow. 

The most practical and probably the most effective method of destroy- 
ing the food plant of the pest is to sow rye or some other crop on the 
land the first season after breaking. 

THE CHINCH BUG. 
; (Blissus leucopterus Say.) 

The history and distribution of the Chinch Bug in Indiana offers 
some problems not only very perplexing but exceedingly difficult to 
solve. In fact, we shall here make no attempt toward a solution, but 
rather to separate a few of the many complex elements which are 
thought to influence the distribution and numbers of the pest, and to 
some extent at least indicate how far they may be considered or per- 
haps eliminated entirely from any independent relation to the subject, 
thereby affording aid to the future investigator. 

It is well known that although Thomas Say, at the time he described 
the species, was residing at New Harmony, Indiana, nevertheless his 
description was drawn from a single specimen taken by himself on the 
Eastern Shore of Virginia, and so far as we know he may have died 
ignorant of its occurrence in his own or any of the adjoining States. 

Recently, Professor Forbes has collected some data showing that the 
species was destructively abundant in Edwards County, Illinois, as 
early as 1828, and was also observed in Richland County in 1823. 

Strictly in accordance with the above, while that portion of Illinois 
lying adjacent to Indiana, separated only by the Wabash River, has 
suffered agaiu and again through the ravages of the Chinch Bug, crops 
on the Indiana side have not often suffered from any extensive or wide- 
spread ravages of the pest. Not only this, but at the present time the 
worst infested portion of Indiana is composed of those counties whose 
western border is the Wabash River, which separates them from Illi- 
nois, and from whence the insect occurs in continually diminishing 
numbers northward and eastward until we reach the northern coun- 
ties of La Porte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, La Grange and Steuben, where its 
depredations are almost entirely unknown.* Indeed, during the years 
when they are the most numerous elsewhere, I have found them in these 
counties only with difficulty, and few of the farmers know what the 
insect is like. In almost exactly the same latitude in De Kalb County, 
Illinois, within 60 miles of Lake Michigan, they have been a serious 
pest since 1855. 


* The only exception known to me was in Elkhart County, where they were re- 
ported to Mr. J. R. Dodge, Statistician of the Department of Agriculture in 1857, 
(See Bull. 17, U. 8S. Dept. Agri., Div. Ent., p 9.) Mr. Dodge has very kindly looked 
up this matter, and writes me that these bugs were oaly reported from one locality in 
very limited numbers and did no appreciable damage.—F.. M. W. 


56 


A line drawn from the northwestern corner of Indiana ‘diagonally 
across the State to the Ohio line, at the southeast corner of Jay County, 
will divide from the remainder of the State nearly all of twenty-four 
counties over which the Chinch Bug is either unknown or occurs in too 
limited numbers to cause serious damage. These are the counties enu- 
merated in Tables A and B. As the numbers of counties from which I 
have information of serious and wide-spread damage does not amount 
to twenty-four, I have added others, in which we have observed con- 
siderable numbers of Chinch Bugs, and filled out the number with coun- 

_ ties situated in the infested district. These are enumerated in Tables 
Cand D. 


TABLE A.—Acreage of various grains produced in 1887 throughout the area over which 
Chinch Bugs do not occur in destructive numbers. 


i Excess 
Total t ll 
Counties. W heat. Oats. Rye. Barley. small Corn. pore 
grain. grain over 
| corn. 
| 

PANTING ion se Sheewe acces rca =. 26, 986 9, 142 255 | 35 36, 368 30,257 | + 6,111 
JAE ty Sees eee 5 55H Soe eee 48, 362 25, 687 2, 065 101 76, 215 42,004 | +34, 211 
BiG OLd ke cseaeecesesces ane 12, 543 2, 544 196 41 15, 324 16,000 | — 676 
Deval ee se * cece tcc es 30, 097 13, 390 211 157 43, 855 22,1385 | +21, 720 
MOUKUANee sence cease ceoensti 44, 896 15, 207 |~ 705 90 60, 898 35,145 | -+25, 753 
WOON saecieis ec aice este eetc xe 29, 903 5, 684 390 35 36, 012 29, 827 +10, 185 
Mant secce tet cae tccerek cece 42, 077 5, 455 347 147 48, 026 49,225 | — 1,199 
Pn tinOTON) 6612.4 accocies 34, 888 10, 693 800 195 46, 576 38,145 | + 8 431 
iy) we ecwsec sso aiucec cisecckoe: 29, 588 8, 766 275 145 38, 774 39,656 | — 882 
GSCIUSKO) 2 .a5.cice rine since sis 42, 268 13, 274 240 162 55, 944 40,065 | +15, 879 
Weal Tan PO ncan ce sc oesic sss c%)= 36, 903 9, 818 873 37 47, 631 28,292 | +19, 339 
MDG ere Uwe ee ciejeiaiecte Som icisiais = 2, 808 26, 690 1, 284 275 31, 057 30,637 | 4 420 
POPE OTBse cae co tea caae Cece =: 43, 904 15, 054 802 335 60, 095 39,690 | +20, 405 
Wiirstialll’ Ss: ose. sone c-cacceee 35, 062 10, 145 1, 244 186 47, 637 33, 238 | +14, 399 
IG ian ean Soa ene eae E Eee 44, 212 7, 919 139 168 52, 438 42, 301 +10, 137 
INGDlObseSess soe nam Seaceeme hans; 38, 797 12, 345 120 44 51, 306 29,462 | +21, 854 
IPOLUCE taste hs accenseretorce 15, 312 16, 365 1, 026 236 32, 939 21,042 | +11, 897 
Palaakieceeatc josceneamessees 19, 267 7, 828 1, 570 394 29, 059 23,686 | + 5,373 
Plan Keb aciewscs acco sacks sccatic 3, 591 2.916 1, 657 298 8, 462 7,911 | + 551 
PON DOWa on: eer eccee wes ccese 27, 414 9, 253 219 310 37, 196 22,200 | +14, 996 
SIPROSOD Meuse ance hows onee ce 41, 525 11, 482 440 30 53, 477 30,698 | +22, 779 
WWiabaslive joc cheerios oe. s. oe 41, 109 8, 391 115 149 49, 764 45,638 | + 4,126 
Wie Sheen, cote tame aeece 32, 301 6, 196 572 54 39, 123 39322) | aoe 
VIAN DRE tema eae an Sn mine Sim 25, 633 9, 727 95 45 35, 500 24,753 | +10, 747 


TABLE B.—Acreage of various grains produced in 1888 throughout the area over which 
Chinch Bugs do not occur in destructive numbers. 


ANTE Sit eo SS GES a epee cosas GEee 23, 130 16, 818 | 249 51 40, 248 31,417 +8, 831 
Alen: *-- =< stb Sopoosbee cescee 50, 469 27, 228 | 1, 895 172 78, 764 43, 775 +34, 989 
IRC KLOVE) coc cleetsicwiccse.-- = 11, 057 3, 280 253 140 14, 730 16, 633 —1, 903 
LOG eee Se eee 2 eee 28, 145 14, 249 138 169 42, 701 25,474 | +17, 227 
PSD OEG encanto eis sate Sats c's weenie 43, 818 14, 783 1, 0138 78 59, 692 36, 663 +23, 029 
UA GONes se ois soe Selene =i 33, 976 6, 306 267 12 40, 561 29,795 | +10, 766 
(ACO Se eine eer ec Sa 38, 808 5, 593 316 201 44, 918 48, 581 —3, 663 
Bent Oton. >.<. 2S. 5 -.2-- - = 32, 639 10, 990 218 186 44, 033 40, 218 +3, 815 
JDM) Sas Ge otede dae Sse SS CaSO 25, 433 9, 666 311 160 35, 570 40, 750 —5, 180 
FRORCIUB ROO? ot S06 ia tcee 5.5 39, 878 14, 201 334 135 54, 548 41, 025 +18, 523 
WIPO AN On a's Saise seins na se'= 33, 540 10, 285 750 55 44, 630 30, 252 +14, 378 
Lop h(t SSeS ae See Sa Sear 3, 874 21, 026 1, 330 221 26, 461 29, 510 —3, 049 
AOU UO aise ale oie = estan nae 40, 642 18, 033 772 787 60, 284 41, 345 +18, 889 
Maran allceenec scene: cuacse a 33, 187 11, 095 1, 449 ral 46, 012 37, 134 -++8, 878 
iE eae OES a ace 44, 250 8, 160 126 188 52, 724 42, 743 +9, 981 
ie (a 0) jhe ee ol eee See ee 37, 983 14, 336 217 44 52, 580 29, 915 +22, 665 
WOE Gal neg ona miter aenine oe 16, 648 17, 428 1, 593 213 35, 882 27, 863 +8, 019 
LEGG a el a ie een era 17, 007 3, 407 1, 638 282 29, 339 26, 232 -++3, 097 
SLATKG ee ios Sens ae seas oeee 5, 96E 3, 476 1, 696 237 9, 374 8, 683 +741 
DUGUUEN Sccet au vasa beioantescels 25, 944 10, 288 310 317 36, 859 21, 373 -++15, 486 
NU OSEDh tasbieca sce ee eee 37, 602 12,170 642 | 714 51, 128 29, 343 -+-21, 785 
WADA See e eee. cette beads 40, 202 9, 892 183 | 73 50, 350 44, 080 +6, 270 
WEIS Sate oe cocks fen shea 28, 427 8, 352 611 | 147 37, 547 38, 009 —462 
Wy bitlesetace: Soho. wee 21, 789 10, 647 65 39 32, 540 23, 503 +9, 037 


57 


TABLE C.—Acreage of various grains produced in 1887 throughout the area over which 
Chinch Bugs occur sometimes in destructive nnmbers. 


Oth Excess 
: aan f small 
Counties. Wheat. Oats. Rye. Barley. small Corn. |° Ba 

grain. Sra 

5 over corn. 
ENTONS sere <5 = sce - oe sence 1, 592 35, 529 390 125 38, 036 71,714 | —33, 678 
Glare oo... eR eee A ee 2°, 610 9, 963 160 211 | 32,944 | 26,447] +6,497 
RPA eo 2 ainleSgicis-e ences 7, 513 9, 389 Doi] were meee 16, 927 15, 491 +1, 436 
WDSINHESS = sacs ss os- se weeses 40, 186 10, 575 340 42 51, 148 39, 472 +11, 671 
INOS Sosa 3 cone cisiaticnee 24, 527 10, 950 20 87 35, 584 22, 042 +13, 542 
OTS) Te 72, 513 5, 740 386 31 | 78, 670 45, 108 +33, 562 
CHASER: So ae Se ere es 24, 943 11, 930 239 178 37, 290 34, 141 +3, 149 
MAMBO ec sc eS tecccs sec ek. 27,584 | 14,733 297 45 | 42.659] 42,633 +26. 
TESTOR Se Aa eee 48, 483 6, 426 207 68 | 55,184] 47,3381 | +7853 
aNyMenGe) -po-----=.25~------= 11, 423 14, 395 136 5L 26, 005 25, 228 +777 
PNG HR GM eo esa ie1ela sss - = 15, 740 7, 766 136 191 23, 833 21, 493 +2, 440 
ULL: 2 ate eee 9, 505 9, 399 35 40 | 18,979 | 16,462 2, 517 
OGTR Beano oepegeaaoroaesoae 12, 322 17, 708 84 96 30, 210 26, 836 +-3, 374 
Oven ear coe Sais ninc cons IyaebSaE 14, 343 9, 705 9L 20 24, 159 16, 910 +7, 249 
Lin soeoeogs aa0ce= 33, 828 9, 426 297 66 | 43,617 39, 751 +3, 866 
TERE Gs ca a a 35, 698 9, 080 83 107 | 44,968 | 30,095 | +414, 873 
WIOSOW etn Salctoes/sink.cese oe 60, 902 6, 600 120 47 | 67,669 | 38,979 +28, 690 
LET eee SS EEE Cee Cee eens 33, 544 7, 618 117 96 41, 370 37, 006 +4, 364 
See SS ee reeset lumens Gir. 10, 059 826 55 44, 564 44,109 |! +455 
PIP PECANOE ~~ -<<a---5-0'-=~ =<. 49, 339 14, 657 544 | 120 64, 660 79, 497 —14, 837 
DOP MIOM 2 oon a cco ccnececn ae 30, 274 6, T24 352 98 37, 448 39,549 | +1, 899 
pe 9 oe cl aclarae sein 35,738 | 13, 096 694 217 | 49,745 | 50,082] —337 
Wiarrick* 32-5. 55 ee netics Sele 30, 088 9, 609 | 62 40 | 39, 799 33,171 | +6, 628 
AU SSS) ed (0) eee 17, 245 19, 028 | 17 68 36, 418 30, 206 +6, 212 


TaBLi D.—Acreage of various grains produced in 1888 throughout the area over which 
Chinch Bugs occur sometimes in destructive numbers. 


ROMO RMesae snes c,< aaieinle cia 2, 470 36, 801 372 81 39, 724 84,751 | —45, 027 
Clay* : 22,136 10, 720 178 150 32, 184 28, 100 +15, 084 
Crawford*.... 9, 527 7, 216 i 10 16, 766 14, 502 +2, 264 
Mawes loss ic. c sence ...-| 89,049] 11, 194 280 75 | 50,598| 39,259] +11, 339 
DOIN OISSe De =e ss agelee ees oe 26, 414 10, 168 48 128 36, 758 22, 799 +13, 959 
GRUNSONN A See, 2 Stee cep ss 68, 640 5, 606 466 116 74, 828 48,280 | +26, 548 
(Sia) Saleh. 53 Seeeeerrccs Se: 30, 962 12, 627 253 | 84 43, 926 35, 745 +8, 181 
DRO RS OM ens «Sela ce aatiacks coe 27, 425 14, 185 254 34 41,848 43, 007 —1, 159 
Bena Rene Hee. eos oases 47, 798 6, 869 222 163 55, 058 54, 00) +1, 051 
pang eNC Olesen Sac = a2 calc owe 10, 559 14, 392 208 79 25, 238 31, 666 —6, 328 
Mar hintesoeedcosenns.ccws<e- ssc 14, 450 8, 797 124 126 23, 497 20, 928 +2, 569 
Mino Osea cliccienoacsccee cs 10, 147 8, 500 64 22 18, 733 46, 241 +2, 492 
Sev t Go ee eas 13,446 | 15, 246 94 78| 28,864) 25,406] +43, 458 
ORT PRESS ee Spe Ce ne ee meee 13, 329 10, 402 82 43 23, 856 17, 422 +6, 434 
nile. 5 aa i ee 33, 523 9, 718 256 57 43, 554 44, 771 family) 
LOISG OMe Ao cee anne eee ere 30, 9384 10, 154 54 106 41, 248 32, 062 +9, 186 
GSO Se onsets seaweeds 59, 006 7, 465 108 39 66, 618 46, 711 +19, 907 
IPYEtIMMc oe ne acces co csaesicc 32, 139 8, 194 131 74 40, 538 39, 358 +1, 180 
Seine sunere ase Sooo socnes 29, 377 11, 279 798 68 41, 522 45, 808 —4, 286 
PIP DECANE) 22. chs =2s aces. cee 53, 000 15, 313 570 129 69, 012 82, 611 —13, 599 
MMencimllions- 32. sssia aime sees teas 29, 985 7, T10 439 |. 76 38, 210 35, 444 +-2, 766 
iy {hee a beeen eee 36, 157 14, 327 557 203 51, 244 52, 084 —840 
GHC) hae Se ae Neer Soe 30, 562 10, 191 144 57 40, 954 34, 589 +6, 365 
Wrashington?.<-. 22-22. 55>... 18, 465 19, 922 39 | 46 | 38, 472 34, 911 +3, 561 
| 1 t 


* Counties marked with asterisk (*) are those in which Chinch Bugs have been reported in destruct- 


ive numbers. 
- i | * 


Much has been said of late of the influence which the cultivation of 
wheat and other grains has on the numbers and distribution of the 
Chinch Bug. Tables A, B, C, and D, here given show the acreage of 
‘each of the cereal grains in forty-eight counties for the years 1887 and 
1888. It will be observed that among the uninfested counties there are 
but four which had a greater area of small grain than of corn in 1887 
and in 1888. In 1887, in eleven of these same counties, the area of 
wheat exceeded that of corn, in six of which counties the Chinch Bug 


58 


is unheard of. Practically the same state of affairs existed in 1888, 
both as to crop and bugs. In the twelve counties more or less infested 
with bugs in 1887, four had a larger area of corn than of small grain, 
and all but seven showed a greater area of corn than wheat. In 1888 
only three had a greater area devoted to wheat than corn, and six hada 
greater area of corn than of small grains. It will be observed that Sul- 
livan County, which probably suffers from Chinch Bug injury as bad as 
any portion of the State, is one of these. It appears therefore that the 
nature of the crop has of itself nothing to do with the distribution of 
the Chinch Bug in Indiana. 


TABLE E.—Total amount, in inches and tenths, of precipitation and mean temperature, in 
degrees and tenths, at Princeton, Gibson County, Ind., latitude 38° 23' N., during the 
months of April, May, and June, for the years 1835, 1886, 1887, 1888, and 1889. 


April. May. , June. 
Year. _ i ie 
Precipi- | Tempera- Precipi- Te™pera-| Precipi- | Tempera- 
tation. ture. | tation. | ture. | tation. ture. 

: Pe a ee ee 
Bete ane reine foes eLok Sos Sch seneead 3. 70 | SEO lien 2e80sl-< 26105 5.90 71.9 
OG reete ee came see cate sees wecme aoese 3. 50 | 55. 3 | 2.10 66. L 4, 90 71.3 
ISBT oe tear sasrae tsa ace ce hiss cone Moa, 2.30 | 53.2 6.10 68. 0 -10 74.3 
DBS areas Ree ie ta omen ie Soe sicrasace noah 1. 50 50.3 1. 95 63.5 2.50 76.7 
AES oes seme cece tele clsiisteereses cee eee - 80 | 55.2 4. 40 64.4 3. 60 70.7 

| 


TABLE F.—Total amount, in inches and tenths, of precipitation and mean temperature, in 
degrees and tenths, at Angola, Steuben County, Ind., latitude 41° 37' N., during the 
months of April, May, and June, for the years 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, and 1889. 


LO Reet: eee eer mee hovh. AES bed 4.35 45.6 | 6.95 56. 4,32 66.9 
REG: -2S8 Sod see ee eae ea ata 2.77 52.5 | 3.49 63.5 4.16 67.2 
(ih Sa Gober ee ae San Ma Aaa he “asap 45.2 | 195| 70.8 5.24 71.2 
Thy gee es So Ss 6 ee ee eee 1. 64 46.5 | 37. | 61.9 5. 16 70. 6 
elt) SE Se Qoacn sp ecedocm SEES He eee oeednne 1,19 49, 2 | 5. 25 61.4 3. 50 68.5 


TABLE G.—Total amount, in inches and tenths, of precipitation and mean temperature, in - 


degrees and tenths, at Sandwich, De Kaib County, Ill., latitude 41° 31’ N., during the 
months of April, May, and June of the years 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, and 1889. 


| 


ICI Sets Coe eee See ee ete ree 2. 46 46.71 1.30 58. 65 2.94 | 68. 95 
USE Shs 58 ieee ce nt cea ea 1.35 56. 40 3. 06 64.70 | 1. 28 | 68. 82 
ORE eee ca eto She tes it eee 57 53.12 1. 87 68. 55 | 17%) 75. 07 
THC ee ar ye eo ae he 1.70 49. 84 5. 14 58. 72 | 2.76 | 72.48 
TH} 30) 2) Get ee a a ae 3,115 52. 03 3.08 61.71 | 5. 40 | 68. 62 


Neither can this unequal distribution be attributed to the interspersion 
of timber Jands among the cultivated fields, as the northern and south- 
ern portions are about equally wooded, and, besides, the treeless 
prairies of the State are not particularly subject to invasions of Chinch- 
bugs. Low temperature can hardly be held responsible for the phe- 
nomenon, as the ravages in more northern localities like Nebraska, 
northern Iowa, and in Minnesota will attest. Coming northward from 
the Ohio River, during the season of drought which has occurred each 
year since 1886, one can not help but admit that the effects of dry 


ee 


eT 


59 


weather are greatest in the southern portion of the State. But the dif- 
ference between this weather condition is certainly not so marked be- 
tween Tippecanoe and Benton Counties on the one hand, and La Porte 
and Lagrange Counties on the other, as to result in a difference in the 
number of bugs amounting to that between a great abundance and 
almost none at all. In Tables E, F, and G are given the mean tempera- 
ture and rain-fall for the months during which these elements most 
affect the Chinch Bug, and extending over a period of five years.* Thisis 
as far back as the Indiana records extend. The records from Princeton, 
Ind., indicate the meterological conditions during this period in the bug 
infested area, and those from Angola are a like record of the weather 
conditions in the region exempt from Chinch Bug attack, while Table G 
gives the meterological conditions in De Kalb County, northern Illinois, 
where Chinch Bugs have been abundantsince 1855, formerly doing serious 
damage to spring wheat, and have, since about 1862 (wheat of any sort 
being no longer grown to any extent), been transferring their attention 
to the corn crop, but being at present less abundant than in south- 
eastern Indiana or southern Illinois. 

From a study of the tables given it will be seen that while the 
northern Illinois locality had a less rain-fall during the spring and early 
summer than the northern portion of Indiana, it also had a less amount 
than had southern Indiana; yet, while Chinch Bugs are more numerous 
in the Ulinois section than in northern Indiana, they are not so abund- 
ant as in southern Indiana. 

Geologically, the northern portion of Indiana differs from the south- 
eastern portion, the former being Devonian and the latter carbonifer- 
ous or subcarboniferous. This, however, could have little effect on the 
Chinch Bug, except, possibly, so far as it influenced the natural flora, 
especially the grasses. Prof. James Troop, who has made the grasses 
of Indiana a study, informs me that the following are all, or nearly all, 
the species found in the southern portion of the State which do not 
occur in the northern portion: Uniola latifolia, Arundinaria tecta, Pas- 
palum fluitans, P. eve, Panicum prolificum, P. anceps, P. vicidum, Andro- 
pogon divisitiflorus. 

From the foregoing it will be seen that to no one of these elements 
alone, as existing between southwestern Indiana and Illinois on the 
one hand, and northeastern Indiana, southern Michigan, and northern 
Ohio on the other, can this immunity from Chinch Bugs in these last 
localities be traced. Whether the combination of two of these elements, 
such as dry weather and wheat-growing, is to be held wholly responsi- 
ble, or whether there is still another potent element, as yet unknown 
to us, which, either in itself or combined with some other, is the prime 
cause of the present state of affairs, only future studies can demonstrate. 


* Kindly supplied me by N. E, Ballou, M. D., Ph. D., Sandwich, I1., for thirty years 
volunteer signal observer at that place.—I’. M. W. 


60 


That dry weather during spring and early summer is almost invaria- 
bly associated with an increase, and wet weather during the same 
period with a decrease of Chinch Bugs is usually true, but why this is 
so has never been definitely explained. 

The fungoid disease known as Lntomophthora has, since it was studied 
by Dr. Shimer, been known to be much more fatal in wet than in dry 
weather. How far this would prove true,-and to what extent the 
farmer could rely upon this fungus to keep the Chinch Bug in check, 
gave the incentive for carrying out the following experiments. 

Karly in July, 1888, a large number of Chinch Bugs, principally pupee 
nearing the last molt, were placed in a close glass vessel and kept in a 
very damp atmosphere and under high temperature. Although kept 
for two weeks under these conditions we failed to produce the Entomoph- 
thora among them. This was accepted as evidence that the fungus did 
not exist in any stage of deveiopment here at La Fayette, Ind., although 
it was reported from an adjoining State. 

On July 20, of the present year, we received some dead chinch bugs 
from Prof. F. H. Snow, of Lawrence, Kans., which were said to be af- 
fected by Entomophthora. These diseased bugs were placed under glass 
with living ones from the fields, the latter being provided with food and 
kept thus confined for fifty-three hours, when the major portion of them 
were placed on several hills of corn, seriously infested by bugs, the 
remainder with the dried remains received from Professor Snow being 
scattered about over a small area of young wheat sown for experiment, 
and also swarming with young Chinch Bugs. The hills of corn on which 
the bugs had been placed were isolated from others, equally badly in- 
fested, by narrow frames of boards placed on the ground, and the upper 
edges covered with tar. This last precaution was taken in order to pre- 
vent communication with other hills, intended as checks on those used 
directly inthe experiment. The area of young wheat over which infested 
bugs had been placed was not inelosed, but its limits carefully marked. 
Vive days after, July 27, a single bug was found on one of the isolated 
hills of corn which had very evidently died from the effects of Entomoph- 
thora, and by the 30th enough others were found to show that the fungus 
had fully established itself, and the barriers about the isolated hills were 
removed. On August 2, dead bugs covered with Hntomophthora were 
found in considerable numbers about hills of corn, 25 feet from where the 
original colonies had been placed, and also throughout and even 55 feet 
beyond the area of young wheat over which dead and affected bugs 
had been distributed. Daily observations were now made, but the pro- 
gress of the disease seemed to come to a stand-still. From the 5th of 
August up to the 9th it was almost impossible to get sufficient material, 
outside, to enable me to carry on laboratory experiments. August 13, 
the spread of Hntomophthora appeared to have taken on new life, and dis- 

eased bugs were becoming much more numerous. August 15, found 
diseased bugs 172 feet from any place where they had been previously 
observed. August 20, diseased bugs were very abundant over all of. 


61 


the area where disease had been distributed, and two days later exam- 
ples were found a quarter of a mile from the starting point of the dis- 
ease. Immediately after this, however, another halt, both in the in- 
tensity of attack and rapidity with which it spread, due either to the dry 
weather, or to the fact that the bugs had now all reached the adult 
stage, and had become diffused over the country, no longer congregat- 
ing together. From either one or the other, or both of these causes, I 
lost track of the Entomophthora and was not able to again find it in the 
fields. It seems proper to state here that Chinch Bugs were not at any 
time excessively abundant. The greatest numbers were in the exact 
localities where the disease was first distributed, the congregating at 
these places being brought about by the close proximity toa large num- 
ber of small experimental plats of wheat, and when this was harvested 
the*bugs. collected en masse on the corn and young wheat. In connec- 
tion with these facts, it is also interesting to note that from July 15 to 
August 51 there were ten days on which rain fell. The dates of these 
rains and the amount of pees is oven below: 


| Precipi- | ‘ | Precipi- 

Date. Teoria Date. tation. 

Inches. | Inches. 
Jie Uf steecboespeededcccanecenusbqapeac ol) | OIIN) BY) ere coroncsapnatnacednnoneosocebe .78 
= chose SS ooes BEaas Sone cossesoe0> 1, 25 sQbeciSsa St 6onessaosaqreccssoescs 50 
UN SoSS oe OAS REE CSCO DSO bSEOoeacSooS BA eel Oe Ol versie wie tec epeteerersiat eee reece 3.36 
DORE ae pr eteem asics Selanne ers - 04 | 1B Back Sabopaadone erate opopnesneser 15 
7D. ooosocnocisuobeose) sasegsensceses 12 IEWISEE cdiGoobaccosscadacr Baokeoade 02 


With a view of learning whether o or ‘not there v was any difference as 
regards susceptibility to the attack of Hntomophthora, between bugs in 
different stages of development, a series of experiments was begun, as 
follows: 

Young plants of Setaria glauca were transplanted to a box, and upon 
each plant was placed a dead bug covered with the fungus, and also 
healthy larve ; larvee just on the point of pupation; pup just prior to 
reaching the adult stage; and fully developed adults, each stage being 
placed on separate plants and each covered with a small inverted glass 
vial numbered by lettering. As checks, another series was prepared 
like the first in every particular. The soil in the box was kept weli 
moistened, and the plants remained fresh. This experiment was made 
on August 2, about the time when the attack outside began to diminish 
in intensity. The following are the results of examinations on the 
dates indicated, the original experiments being numbered by capitals, 
and the checks by small letters, thus—A-—a, adult; B—b, young larvee ; 
C-c, older larvee; D-d, pupe. 


Date. | A. | a. | Bo] ob Co alleexe Dn Weng ad 
— i | aes eee 
| 

Aug. 5 | ealthy | : Hewlthy | Healthy .- re Healthy -| 1 dead ...| Healthy -| 1 dead ...| 1 dead. 
Aug. 6 | 1 dead . 1 dead . --| Healthy | Healthy -| 1 dead ...| Healthy .| 3 dead ...| 1 dead. 
Aug. 7 | Alldead ..| 3dead .. | 3dead-..| 1 dead ...| 3 dead . Wdeatees|- soo a----|)| odeade 
Aug. 16 | All dead ..| All dead - | All dead. | Alldead | Alldead | Alldead | All dead | All dead. 


— uF a ee —— — 


62 


On the same day this experiment was begun, a second was also com- 
menced, like the first in every particular except that the healthy bugs 
used, in experimentation, were exposed to fungus infested individuals 
for only five hours, and then placed under their respective glasses. As 
a result on ‘August 15, thirteen days after, none had died, thus strongly 
indicating that the Hntomophthora did not exist generally in the fields, 
and that it could not be communicated during a period of five hours, 
exposure. 

On August 7 a large number of healthy bugs were placed under 
glass, with a number which had recently died from Hntomophthora, the 
moisture in the vessel being absorbed by calcium chloride. A check 
experiment was also commenced, where the material and the condi- 
tions were the same, except the humidity of the atmosphere, care being 
taken to have the latter as nearly saturated with moisture as possible. 
August 10, the original experiment was divided and a portion of the 
healthy bugs removed and placed in a damp environment, the remain- 
der being kept under the original dry conditions. The results on 
August 22 were as follows. In the original experiment, where the 
healthy bugs had been continually in dry quarters, not a single bug 
had died from Entomophthora. Not only this, but none of those which 
had been removed after three days and placed in dry quarters had died, 
showing that the disease was not contracted and did not develop in 
healthy bugs, though kept exposed in a dry atmosphere for fifteen 
days, nor could it be originated by placing, in a damp atmosphere, for 
twelve days, bugs which had been exposed to contagion for three days 
in dry quarters. The results withthe check experiment were quite dif- 
ferent. Within five days after being confined with the Yntomophthora, 
the healthy bugs began to die from effects of the disease, and in three 
days more every one had died from the same cause, their bodies being 
covered with spores. 

Still another experiment was tried which consisted in confining a 
large number of healthy bugs with others diseased in a damp environ- 
ment, and when the fungus had destroyed a portion the remainder were 
divided and a part removed to dry quarters. Theresult was that while 
those left in damp confinement continued to die, none of those inclosed 
in dry environment were destroyed. As the fungus had by this time be- 
come distributed over the experiment farm so that I could not tell with 
certainty whether material from the fields was in a perfectly healthy 
condition or not, no farther experiments were made in this direction. 

From the foregoing it will be observed that the essential element in 
all of these experiments was an abundance of moisture, without which 
the Hntomophthora could neither become established nor flourish after 
it had gained a footing. Again the extent to which the disease will 
prove contagious will depend upon the number of bugs. Without 
great numbers massed together comparatively few would contract the 
disease. To sum up the matter there is little hope for relief to the 
farmer from the influence of Hntomophthora, except when Chinch Bugs 


stn ticki: 


63 


are abundant and massed together in great numbers, and during a 
period of wet weather. I have succeeded in getting the fungus estab- 
lished at two widely located points in Indiana, and do not consider it 
at all difficult to introduce in localities where Chinch Bugs are abun- 
dant, provided the weather is favorable. But if it is ever utilized by 
the farmer, which seems to me to be at present a matter of considerable 
doubt, it will only be after the pest has become very abundant, during the 
time between the first larvaland adult stages and in a wet time. After 
the Hntomophthora has been introduced into a certain field it will be- 
come diffused only in proportion as the bugs travel about and healthy 
bugs come in contact with spores from those which have died from the 
disease. This will not be very great until the pupal stage is reached. 

The larve of Chinch Bugs seem to in some way understand that while 
moulting they will be well nigh helpless, and hence hide themselves away 
in vast numbers in secluded places. Under such conditions the spores 
thrown from diseased bugs would reach a larger number of their fellows, 
I havefound adults but recently moulted affected by the Entomophthora. 
After the bugs acquire wings and scatter themselves over the country, 
the liability to contagion will be again reduced, unless in case of very 
severe invasions, where from force of numbers congregating on or about 
food plants becomes a necessity. Hence, the introduction of the fungus 
among larvee will at first proceed but slowly, and only in extreme cases 
and under favorable conditions can it be expected to proceed much more 
rapidly among adult bugs. In short, the only way that this fungoid 
disease seems capable of being employed in agriculture is by the estab- 
lishment of some central propagating station to which farmers can apply 
and receive an abundant supply of infested bugs on short notice. By 
this means they could take advantage of a rainy period of a week or 
ten days, and, if they can contrive by sowing plats of millet and Hun- 
garian to mass the bugs in certain localities about their fields, they 
might accomplish something towards warding off an invasion. But 
the possibility of overcoming an invasion after it is fully under way, 
as is almost sure to be the case during a dry season, it must be con- 
fessed is not very encouraging. My failure afterrepeated experiments 
to produce this Hntomophthora in the vicinity of Lafayette without the 
importation of germs is decidedly against the theory that might be ad- 
vanced that the northeastern portion of the State was kept free of 
destructive invasions by reason of this disease brought about by wet 
weather. There is as yet no reason to believe that the disease has 
ever existed in that section of the State. 

Before leaving the subject it will be proper to state that in my exper- 
iments a larva of Chrysopa was introduced by accident and passed 
through the larval stage, feeding continually on bugs dying from the 
effects of the fungus. 

After harvest the Chinch Bugs, as usual, transferred their attention 
to various grasses which were growing up among the stubble, more 
especially Setaria and Panicum, but as these succumbed to their contin- 


64 


ued attacks they transferred their attention to Timothy, and appeared 
to subsist equally well upon it. 

At the date of wheat-harvesting, fields were swarming with a species 
of lady beetle, Coccinella 9-notata, they having become excessively 
abundant by reason of the great numbers of the Grain Aphis, and 
as these disappeared the Coccinella was obliged to scatter themselves 
about and seek other food. As large numbers were found on stalks of 
growing corn infested by chinch-bugs, it seemed proper to determine 
the object of attraction to such places. The problem was in part solved 
by the fact that wherever great numbers of Chinch Bugs had punctured 
the corn plants the sap would exude from these punctured spots, and 
there the beetles would be found, singly or in groups of two or three, 
engaged in feeding upon the sap. Beetles placed under glass with a 
great number of Chinch Bugs refused to prey upon the latter, even when 
brought nearly to the point of starvation. 

While searching under the sheaths of corn on several occasions larvie 
and pupie of a Syrphus fly were found, ii many cases, right among the 
masses of young bugs. From some of these pup thus obtained we 
reared adults of Pipiza pulchella. Whether this species will ultimately 
prove to be an enemy of the Chinch Bug, it is too much to say, but the 
larvie found by me could only have fed upon bugs or exuding sap, as 
they were near the roots of the corn where no pollen iad collected. 


THE GRAIN APHIS. 
(Siphonophora avene Fab.) 


Probably no insect has appeared in the State of Indiana for many 
years which caused such a general commotion among wheat-growers, 
and which worked so little damage, considering, its numbers, as this. 

Occurring every year in greater or less numbers, and having been 
frequently sent us by farmers, we were not at all surprised to receive 
specimens from Gallatin County, Hl., on May 27, and also a few days 
later from our aged friend Dr. Richard Owen, of New Harmony, Posey 
County, Ind. Probably about May 20 can be set down as the date of 
appearance, in numbers to attract attention in the extreme southern 
part of the State, the invasion terminating in the extreme northern por- 
tion about the Ist of July. 

That the outbreak, which was probably the most severe since 1861 
and 1862, should reach the magnitude that it did, both in point of 
numbers and area infested, was a surprise to me, as the preceding 
November had been spent by myself in traveling about, visiting the 
wheat fields of various portions of the State, these insects then being 
observed in no greater numbers than was usual at that season of the 
year. The winter following was an extremely mild one, which, taken 
with the statement of Dr. Cyrus Thomas,* that the insect passes the 
winter on grain plants in the fields, might lead to a misunderstanding 
as to the actual effect of mild winters. 


* Eighth Rep. St. Ent. Il1., 1879, p. 53. 


65 


The winters of 1861 and 1862, the years of the serious outbreaks 
in New York and New England, though not particularly severe in the 
sections above mentioned, were by no means noted for mildness. It 
seems doubtful, therefore, if the causes leading to the invasion of the 
present year would carry us farther back than the spring months, a 
statement strongly substantiated by our own observation. 

Starting, then, with the month of March we search for some meteoro- 
logical element which might affect the increase of the Grain Aphis, and 
which appears both in the present season and also in 1861 and 1862. 


TABLE H.—General weather conditions in various localities during years of great abun- 
dance of Grain Aphis. 


Locality. Year. | March. April. May. June. 
(1861... § Cool... Cool .---.. Cook Fone Goal. 
eg ee Ny Marland oe Peen eos 1969, .|$ Coots -.! Cool 222222) Cook 222222] Goal 
| Wiet 242% 1 Wietsoses. Dryeeeeene dry 
Tnddiana 2-22. 2 see ees ce eeeseeeseeeeee eens PSU one oe ey tbey ee 
DYPSTELTe NCW.) VOLK Seems ae eles sane eal» IEE) 2 c|ladcnetacsbaclloanncecasaoa|laocessans = Wet 
L 


The weather conditions as s relating to New York and New England 
for 1861 and 1862, as given in Table H are based upon reports contained 
in the Country Gentleman for these years. Those for Indiana are based 
on the reports of the State Weather Service, and the data for western 
New York, for 1889, was given me by Prof. James Troop, Horticultural- 
ist of the Indiana Experiment Station, who visited Livingston County 
in July. | 

From Table I, taken from Indiana Weather Service reports, it will be 
observed that during March and April the temperature was considera- 
bly above the normal, with the precipitation during this time below the 
average. On the other hand, the temperature of the months of May 
and June was much below the normal, with, as indicated by Table I, pre- 
cipitation above the average. By referring to Table K, however, it will 
be observed that about half of the precipitation of May fell on the 29th 
and 30th of the month, thereby changing the apparent state of affairs, 
and practically become May into the an period. 

We have stated that the outbreak of the grain Aphis became con- 

spicuous in southern Indiana and Illinois in May. It is also true that 
they reached their maximum numbers during the very last of this month 
and early June. In other words, they appeared during cool, dry weather, 
and disappeared in cool, wet weather. Thus far the old theory of ento- 
mologists, that wet weather is detrimental to their increase appeared 
true. 

But it is also true, that while in southern localities they were disap- 
pearing during a wet period, in central and northern Indiana and 
western New York they were rapidly gaining in numbers, under pre- 
cisely similar conditions. 


23479—No. 22 5 


66 


Turning now to Table H, we search for an element common to the in- 
vasions of 1861 and 1862 and 1889, bearing in mind that in southern 
Indiana the pest arose to the maximum during May and early June, 
and in New York during June and early July. 


TABLE I.—Comparative temperature and precipitation throughout the Slate of Indiana 
Sor March, April, May, and June, 1889. 


TEMPERATURE (DEGREES—FAHRENHEIT). 


| 
; 
| 
{ 
| 
| 
| 


March. April. May. June. 
f | g g a lg 
a om om om one 
mS HS HS HS 
Counties. Stations. is a Es a 3 arr al A | 
5 25 25 ae eo: a 
5 = ela a ae ra e| tS | renal 
S |-8 | sa 8) ee) epee aes 
~ Qe 3) a7 a aE =) | Qe 
= ° o =) (5) ° o o |} @o 
A A Q | A A A A A A 
SOTHGIIT pa Ae eae omepe eee ane 5 | 41.1 2.8) 54589) 0509 | 6474 1 eae 
Dnabars; e026 =" Huntingburgh ~~. 6 | 41.4 +4.6 | 54.6 21 | 64.0 | --1.4 | 72.8 | —1.0 
Gibson... =...) erinceton <----_ =. 5 | 41.8] +4.7 | 54.1] 41.1 | 64.7 | —0.3 | 74.0 | —3.8 
Crawford .....- Marenvoi--s-_---- 6 | 42.3 oe Meee d aecta lene: 65.3 | —0:9") 72.2) —093 
Washington ...| Salem -.-......... Grae 42959) 158529) —0.70 6452) "051" | eee eee eae 
Switzerland! -.4) Wevaly.---.5.-s50-- 21 | 42.8; +3.9 | 54.8! 41.3 | 65.4 | —0.8 | 74.4 | —3.5 
Jennings ....-. Butlerville ...-.-- 4 | 42.4} 42.9 | 55.5 | —2.0 | 65.7 | —4.0 | 73.7 | —3.2 
Greene .... -... Worthington ..... 6 | 39.6 +1.5 | 538.9 | +0.9 63.9 | —3.2 | 70. 2))- —2. 4 
Bartholomew ..| Columbus ..-..--. 6 | 38.4 2h | Oe.2 [4-052 || GdoA4e |) oe An eee 
Riplovies sos Sunman ...... sues 6 | 39.4 | +3.0] 53.4 | +0.4 | 65.3 | —3.0| 72.5 | —4.3 
Warrick 2... DagoniaSprings. - 6 | 43.4 |. +2.1 | 55.8 | —0O.7 | 64.6 | —2.5 | 72.0 | —2.3 
Clik sae cee 3: IMC CMICK Saat oe tz | 42.9 +3.1 | 55.3 | +1.14 | 64.5 | —1.4 | 74.3 | —2.3 
RORY el esate ree corel ae nale nea aire ne ce 5 | 36.7 +4,.9 | 51.0 | +0.3 61.9 | —1.0 | 70.4 | —2.6 
Johnson .....-- PATI) waeeeeee 6} 37.9} +5.1 |] 52.0 | +1.4 | 63.0 | —1.2 | 70.8 | —2.5 
Havetto:. .- 1.5. Connersville...... T loess +-5,'5.| 49.8 | +3.0) || 62:6) ),—121. | Tide Sae6 
Marion :....... Indianapolis ..... 18 | 39.8 2.8 | 52.5 | +0.1 | 64.1 | —3.9 | 72.5 | —5.3 
BNNs saeocwon: IU VE hie Sees eee 8 | 35.0 =6- 1, |, 495.2") 0.49" (G02 1 GS a7 alee : 
entry - 22.5.2 Spiceland ......-- 35 | 37.0 +6.0 | 50.0] +2.6 | 61.6) +0.7 | 70.5 | —2.5 
IWiayne o. s.<55 Richmond ........ 6 | 35.9 +2.0 | 50.5 | —3.1 62.0 | —4. 2) 69249) ==255) 2 
Randolph ...... Farmland .......- 6 | 36.4 +6.0 | 48.7 | +2.8 | 61.3 | —0.3 | 69.7 | —2.3 : 
Delawzure ...-... Muncietcsoeace nes 4 | 38.1 +5.2 | 52.3 | —1.8 | 62.2 | —1.1 ) 70.0 1] —1.5 3 
Grier Ce este 8 tek eee one ra Fd 5° 34.5) +3.8 | 49.9 | —0.1 | 61.0 | 2.4] 70.0) 38 | 
Tippecanoe ....| Latayette.......-.. 10 | 36.1 | +1.7 | 54.7] —3.9 | 61.4 | —2.1 | 70.0 | —3.8 
Carroll... cs Delphi) 2s -se-<06 4.) 36,0) =--107 | 5i06 | —1.4 | 6203) || 397. | Sesees eee 
Whitley ....... Columbia City. --. 4 | 34.7 +1.9 | 48.9 | —0.9 60.0 | —2.7 | 69.5 | —5.6 ; 
Steuben ....... AMO Ol Feces coe 5 | 31.7] +6.3 | 47.8 | +1.4 | 63.1 | —1.7 | 68.9 | —0.4 
BSERGG coe) coe pee +3.9|519|/ 0.00 | 621] —1.4| 70.9 | —3.0 
: 
PRECIPITATION (INCHES). { 
MOUBNCIM cafe cactian| sscmeer ne cmatermewicas 5 | 2.67 | —1.49 | 3.26 | —2.45 | 3.94 |+1.56 | 4.07 |+0, 65 
Mubpis)+..-s =. Huntingburgh..-. 6 | 3.28 | —2. 48 | 2.98 | —3.30 | 3.92 |+-2.63 | 3.86 |—0. 24 
GrpSsON ene sais Princeronasseeeee | 5 | 2.45 | —0.45 | 2..43'| —1.63 | 3.09 |4+12.31 | 3.55 |--0.05 
Crawford ..<... Marengo .--..--.: 6 | 3.25 | —2.15 | 5.28 | —4.68 | 6.00 |+3.85 | 5.27 |+1.25 
Wiashington: .-] Salem ........-... 6 | 2.62 | —1.56 | 3.68 | —2.58 | 3.24 |+2.05 os te |e 
Switzerland ...| Vevay.-....-..... 91 | 4.03 |'—3, 20 | 3.40 | —2.48 | 3.53 |+2.64 | 5.07 |—0. 61 
Jennings ......| Butlerville ....... 4 | 3.35 | —2.21 | 2.93 | —1.72 | 5.56 |+0. 87 | 5.56 |—1. 85 
Greene:.- .2::..- Worthington ...-. 7 | 2.59 | —0.58 | 3.04 | —1.50 | 4.19 |—1.29 | 4.51 |+-2. 8L 2 
3artholomew -..| Columbus .....--. 6 | 2.52 | —1.65 | 2.60 | —1.96 | 3.45 |+1.35 | 3.50 }+0. 88 
Ip leyess cscs NUMAN +2. scate es 6 | 2.45 | —1.22 | 3.41 | —1.77 | 4.38 |4+1.48 | 4.35 |+-1.61 ‘ 
Wrarticlks.<. 25. Dagonia Springs. . 6 | 2.92 | —1.11 | 2.88 | —1.90 | 3.06 !41.02 | 5.10 |—0. 61 
Olarkh 2. 4.-.20 Bitte racks sae 12 | 2.73 | —1.86 | 3.65 | —2.70 | 4.09 |+1.46 | 4.04 |-+-0.18 
Conbralise. tic see-3| Seder 5k ce eee 5 | 2.33 | —0.98 | 2.82 | —1.46 | 4.19 /4+1. 43 | 3.80 |+1.08 
Jolinson ....--. iP rankline-= : eos.< | G | 2.45 | —1.10 | 2.68 | —1. 47 | 4.04 |4+-0.33 | 3.80 |+-2. 20 
Fayette........ Connersville..-.... 7 | 2.55 | —1.70 | 2.82 | —1.43 | 4.47 |4-2.12 | 4.37 |—0.61 
Marion:-2-2.:2- Indianapolis ..---. 18 | 3.85 | —L.70 | 3.59 | —1.47 | 4.15 |+1.61 | 5.44 |“. 76 
PRS Wks emiect ee 2 IMRAN ia cero teat 9 | 3.50 | —1.80 | 4.52 | —2. 44 | 4.89 |4-1.:20 | 5.45 |—0.75 
EET TY ae eaeintee Spiceland......... 35 | 3.90 | —1. 82 | 3.20 | —1.52 | 3.35 |+3.08 | 4.20 | +0. 40 
WiRNNO: 2: ss 2=m:0 Richmond ........ Gije2038. | — 1.58) 207s) =i Ob Ano 2.5% | 4.07 |—0. 33 
Randolph ...... Rarmiand?.-2 5252 6 | 2.18 | —0.46 | 2.52 | —1.45 | 4.42 |—0.27 | 3.68 |+-1.91 3 
Delaware ...... Mancie. ss eo Ail Ri darte |) ok3 bn ae) eeetere She teed ael eee eee Se eee ee son 7 
INGOT AMOM Us emee ee ecm ae tee se ee oneee 5 | 2.02 | —0.14 |2.03 | —1.15 | 4.46 |4-1. 24 | 4712 |-F056r : 
Tippecanoe ....| Lafayette .....-..| 10 | 2.39 | —0.70 | 2.78 | —1. 9% | 4.86 |4+1.55 | 4.91 |—0. 77 i 
MOMITOLEE oe sac are.c Delph ssscer ce se 4") 1,92 <7 | 2.16 | —2. 35) (ho 82 |e aa lee ered linemen , 
Whitley ....... Columbia City... 4] 2.0L | +0.45 | 2.50 | —1.45 | 5.17 |+-0.78 | 4.46 |—0. 67 
Steuben ....... ANOS o-cesec sss 5 | 2.18 | —0.18 | 2.21 | —1.02 | 4.28 |+0.97 | 4,48 |—0. 98 
DLAUOSS sc Pees week ware donee Oreo eae 7 | 2 37 | —0.86 | 2.70 | —1.89 | 4.22 |+1.28 | 4.16 |+0.(4 


— 667 


TABLE K.—2ecords of rain-fall throughout Indiana during May, 1889. 


Place of observation. Precipitation. | Noes of 
ays. 
= igs a8 test in | || |s 
Y : = ireatest in | 
2 a z 3 E 24 vonsecu- eal al iisioe 
ima > s = q Lat lol 
; ss 5 F ee tive hours. fg EB 
Stations. Covuties. aaa ae res see Slee | esl ee 
=aA| 3 iS 3] 9 S&S 12/7) s/o 
= 3 pe | ane : 7 sl-/2/4a 
re s= o& /aO_!| 6 3 E |siSlS/F% 
aloe Se pee = a S (Slsl9|q 
4 4 Hy |x bt a MD |OMIO1O 
Southern : eae ty In. | 
Mount Vernon...| Posey...........-- ab 410, 37 58] 87 54] 4.53 | 3.35 | 29, 3n Te. 8 F116 8 
Huntingburgh...| Dubois ...........| a |.-- | 38 21] 86 59] 6.55 | 3.55 | 29,30) 0 7| 0l24) 10 
Princeton........ Gabsontesses: ss a=- a | 481) 38 23] 87 35) 4.40 | 1.40 | 29 30 0 1413) 4 ef 
Marengo.......-.. Unawior lus semeccs a |.-..| 38 24) 86 24, 9.85 | 5.70 | 29, 30 0 {10 9/12) 11 
SHI oH. ses |W aAShIN@tOM ses es c 38 38) 86 7| 5.29 | 2.76 | 29,30 0 j14) 8} 9} 10 
WOVEY -222n53 <- Switzerland .....- ab} 525) 38 47) 84 59) 6.17 | 2.60 | 29,30 0 |11) 713 16 
Butlerville. ....-- A Rerey ch Kes See aese a | .- | 39 3] 85 33] 6.43 | 4.02 | 29,30 0 |16, 8) 7 13 
Worthington .-..; Greene ....-...... c | 540) 39 9} 87 0) 2.90 | 1.86 | 29, 30 Oneal 1l 
Seymour. -.-.-.--. ice) NET ete enenec © | 648) 88 45) 86 31| 6.14 | 3.00 29) Sls Or 15 
Columbus....---- Bartholomew .....| ¢ |.--.| 39 13] 85 56) 4.80 | 2.27 | 29,30 0 | 910)12 1? 
STANT eee Ripley .--s-< paaeee © |1018) 39 14) 85 6) 5.72 | 2.60 | 29, 30 0 |14) 8} 9} 11 
Degonia Springs.| Warrick .-.-- -----| @ |.--.| 38 G6) 87 12) 4.04 | 1.45 | 29, 30 0 |15) 511} 10 
Cannelton ...--.- OER cele canwesee ce |....| 37 57] 86 42) 4.53 | 1.96 | 29, 30 0 |12 712 10 
iene e.s. a k@Olarks. poo bs @ |1000) 38 32) 85 50) 5.55 | 1.78 30 © 110.10}11 10 
Menersomville: — lle eCOR-..~ ssc caane EH | pe |-=--=- 5. 78 | 3.43 | 29, 30 0 | 321) 7 12 
Nortl Providence): --.d0 ..-2.--.-...- be) 575] 38 25) 85 54] 4.78 | 3.27 | 29, 30 0 {10,4 7) 11 
[eee : | ee ee eee 
Mmearraeserincy, beet Acute ats, f, += |---| 39 30}, 86 13) 5.17,| 2.62 |... 0ji)91} 1 
Central: 5} ry 
Mrenkline.sss.-08| JODNSON 2ac56% ac a |.--.| 39 40) 85 3) 4.37 | 1.88 | 29,30 0] 8) 023) 15 
Connersville. .-.. Fayette... 20.0... BN Secblleaa55o||suooce 6.59 | 2.14 | 29, 30 0 /12) 4.15) 12 
Shelbyville ..-..- Si iasse5 sess Be Ai sranieaiscieei[ess ne 4.65 | 2.15 | 29,30 HIBS ESE |e see 
Indianapolis -..-.. Marion.2osd2 05 - ab} 766) 39 47) 86 11, 5.76 | 2.13 | 29, 30 0} 6) 916). 15 
MAWZy <25 5. Soe lip ie) Nese ses ieee (63 Ie aeace, aera 6.09 | 2.79 | 29, 30 OV Ss See 14 
Spiceland ...-..-.. HONE Vas seis seteoatel. ab|.---| 32 50] 85 25) 6.43 | 3.18 | 29,30 0 | 6/20 5 3 
RICHMONd: 4. .2- << AWG yao seats eee c 969) 89 51) 84 53) 6.75 | 2.68 | 29, 30 0 {11} 812) 14 
-Rockville..-.---.. Parke) ys2--- Boodos ¢e | 722) 39 46) 87 10) 5.75 | 2 61 | 29, 3 0 18} 013) 12 
Ranmilaud:: -2-5-=. Randolph -<2-.,.... a |.--.| 40 11} 85 10) 4.15 | 2.44 | 29,30 0} 8 914 7 
MUNGO Ss. 5-2-5 Delaware .......-. @ |-=-.| 40) 11) 85 25) ---- Ps 0 |20) 0.11 8 
VG elt eyes feces all ses Sa'ars cise cic acts Stak ee Be el reser eras |e te D2O2 2s oe 0 j11 614 12 
Northern: : tay , ¥e a iu ae 
Lafayette....--.% Tippecanoe -...... ce b| 661) 40 27) 86 55) 6.41 | 1.92 29 0/11) 614) 12 
DAD ne aera eee @arrollie-ssascescee c | 580) 46 36) 86 41) 7.25 | 3.87 | 29,3" 0} 5/1115} 12 
Marion . =i: c=! (rants). ssasen58 e |.--.| 40 34] 85 21] 3.20 | 1.60 | 29,30 0 --|- 7 
Columbia City...; Whitley ...-.. -- c |.---| 41 9] 85 30) 5.95 | 4.25 | 29. 30 0 wal eh 
AN Ola) sce aigt2 <2 Steuben .......---| a | 683} 41 37) 85 1) 5.25 | 3.85 | 29,20 0 |10) 516 7 
Lagrange -...---. Lagrange ......--. @ | 980} 41 37] 85 26)..---- ga: eSeot |) Seer |e | ee 
Mean ...... sf eae aaa ray Poa Sale a Be 12-2, Oly |oabees 0] 8815} 9 
SUMMARY. ~ 
Sige Number of 
~ Precipitation. days. 
a3 | Greatest in S 
3a | 24 consecu- -| | a 
Z tive hours. Bl lis 
leg A = | A. 
5. | — 4 jsls| jas 
Oso! =a no! .| OF 
See A lee baal col B 
aes|/ &§ | S$ | & lBSlel eS 
pehiees q os q Si 23|q2 
a q|/A}] nm SAd\S 
, e ee 
k In. Te 
Northern counties........... SC OSES COC OSC Soe oa ann SoC ECUROntE See UN eR Ss See 0| 8 815 9 
‘CATT NOOWINIC Se EG RAE Se DB ECIGRICE Ce SEE COCR Gee EEE ne Ser mee BE Gah hae |e ter 0 LL 614 12 
NoMinern COUNTCS =. -5.cc0-so-cc ues Roe eee en com aoas eee cee: Dual TpecGAu|Seeres 011 911 11 
| — | -—_ 
RHO een ates Aske Ree sodle Seek oe LL SIS sce cak cleor DaD0 eV onGGnlsecent | 0/10 813) “11 


68 


The wet weather theory here appears broken, and a low temperature 
is the only element which appears uniforinly through the morths dur- 
ing which the Grain Aphis was, in all probability, increasing with the 
greatest rapidity. That cool weather should favor the development of 
these insects would, if true, bea new factor in the problem, not only 
of this, but other species also; and before leaning too heavily upon 
this evidence we should cast about for good reasons for this apparent 
ambiguity. 

There is one very important element in this whole problem which we 
have so far left out of consideration, viz, natural enemies. While low 
temperature might not favor the development of the grain Aphis, or in 
fact, if the effect was slightly adverse, if the outcome was to destroy or 
retard the development of parasites, the ultimate result would be to 
favor the Aphis. 

For myself, I can not get rid of the feeling that the indirect action of 
the weather of May and June—the action upon the parasites—was 
much greater than the direct effect upon the Aphis itself. 

According to my field-notes, my earliest observation of the grain 
Aphis about La Fayette, lat. 40° 27’ N., during any year, was on April 
27, and we have observed them during other years on grain early in 
May, in greater abundance than they were the present year on the Ist 
of June; yet in the former case no outbreak occurred. Up to the Ist 
of June, the Aphis was not exceedingly abundant on grain about La 
Fayette. ; 

ven as late as the 7th their numbers on the heads of wheat were 
not so much greater than they had occasionally been in former years 
as to cause alarm; yet within ten days they were swarming in these 
same fields in myriads. This certainly bespeaks more of the effects of 
relief from the pressure of parasitism than from the effect of meterolog- 
ical conditions, especially a change from dry to wet weather. 

The question may be asked, why, if this be true, were not the para- 
sites destroyed in the southern portion of the State, late in May, thereby 
relieving the Grain Aphis from this check on their increase, and why 
the latter by reason of this relief did not, as the wheat became too ad- 
vanced, overrun the oat-fields, as would have at that date naturally 
followed. The reply is that such results did follow toa limited extent, 
the oats being rather more seriously infested by the Aphis than farther 
northward, and the reason why this feature was not more marked was 
doubtless owing to the fact that the cold waves of the first and last of 
May, especially the latter, were less severe than farther north, and the 
effect on the parasites correspondingly less fatal. 

The records of the State weather service show that the minimum 
temperature of the first four days of May at La Fayette was below the 
freezing point; and on the 22d, 23d, 30th, 31st, from 34° to 39° Fahr. 
The mean minimum for the entire State for the same month, according 
to the same authority, was, for the southern portion, 36° Fahr., for the 
central 329 Fahr., and for the northern 30° Fahr, 


69 


Buekton (British Aphides, vol. 1, p. 70) has the following to say with 
regard to the effect of weather on this and other species of Aphides : 

Violent changes of*temperature seem much to check the multiplication of the 
Aphides. <A cold rain, or the outburst of a thunder storm, will often cause the almost 
entire extermination of swarms, and wash them, never to return, from their native 
plants. Nevertheless, the close and hot atmosphere before a thunder storm seems to 
to be peculiarly suited to their propagation. At such times the winged forms occur 
in great numbers and take flight on the gentle winds, which transport them many 
miles to other feeding grounds, to become the foundresses of other colonies. 

The effect of the parasites on the Grain Louse was simply astonishing, 
while their numbers were myriads. Going to the fields of recently har- 
vested grain, if one stood in a position to bring the newly made shocks 
between himself and the setting sun, he could clearly observe the 
swarms of minute Hymenopters arising therefrom and flying away. Be- 
sides, the stubble-fields were overrun with lady beetles and their 
larvee. 

Nevertheless, there are good grounds for the belief that the heavy 
showers during the latter part of June and early July, in the central 
and northern portions of Indiana, washed many young from the heads 
of the grain and destroyed them. Besides, either the severe thunder 
and lightning which accompanied these storms or the rapidly matur- 
ing grain, or both, perhaps, caused the winged adults to betake them- 
selves to the oat-fields, where they would probably have caused further 
damage had not their relentless foes, the Hymenopters, pursued them 
and continued their work of destruction. 

It was a common sight early in July, in northern Indiana, to see 
adults of the grain-lice attached singly to heads of oats, sometimes with 
a few young clustered about them, assuming the form and color so in- 
dicative of parasitism. In southern Indiana, late in June, the same 
thing was observed on oats, and parasitized adults were also abundant 
on the heads of blue-grass, even long distances from grain fields. 

In summing up the matter, it may be safely said that wet weather 
will not, of itself, prevent an outbreak of the grain Aphis, or dispel it 
after under full headway. It must be borne in mind, however, that cool 
wet weather, during May and June, will enable grain plants to sustain 
greater drafts on their vitality than will very dry and hot weather. It 
is also probably true that a cool temperature during spring and early 
summer is either directly or indirectly favorable to the development of 
the grain Aphis. 

Regarding the life history of the species under consideration we have 
never found them in the fields at an earlier date than April 27. From 
this time we have an unbroken record of their occurrence up to July 9, 
when there is a break in their continuity of appearance until Septem- 
ber 1, when full grown apterous females were found on leaves of early 
sown wheat. From this latter date we again have an unbroken record 
up to December 30. We have also observed the sexes pairing on No- 
vember 11 and December 5. 


70 


We have several times attempted to follow the species through July 
and August, but have always failed. Adults placed on various kinds 
of grasses in breeding cages invariably died during July. The occur- 
rence of great numbers of wingless parasitized females on heads of 
Poa pratensis, long distances from grain fields, strongly suggest this 
erass as one of its midsummer food plants. While in this and other 
cases we have been unable to rear Aphides on certain plants in breed- 
ing cages, yet we do not feel at all certain but that outside, under the 
usual environments, nature might accomplish precisely the same object. 
The results of breeding cage experiments with Aphides must always be 
accepted with extreme caution. 

The present year we had young grain growing continually from spring 
to November, yet not asingle grain Aphis was to be found on either 
this young grain or grasses from July 9 to late in October. Their 
limited numbers at this season may, however, be accounted for by the 
fact that they were very nearly exterminated in July by their natal 
enemies. 

Dr. Cyrus Thomas states that in 1875, in Southérn Illinois, he ob- 
served winged and wingless specimens on wheat during winter, and 
suggests that the species winters over in other forms than the egg.* 
There appears to be no good reason for doubting the truth of Dr. 
Thomas’ suggestion, especially if applied to mild winters. During the 
time we have been located in a wheat-growing district the winters have 
been quite severe, so that we have not been able to follow the species 
through the cold months. The winter of 188889 was a mild one, but 
we were absent in Australia during the entire time. 

Siphonophora avene is by no means the only species of Aphides in- 
festing the plants of our smaller cereal grains. An undescribed species 
of Toxoptera occurs on the leaves of wheat in the latitude of La Fayette, 
in June. We have earried this species through July and August on 
wheat in breeding cages, found it again in the fields in September, and 
from this on until the 22d of December. During the latter month they 
continued to reproduce in a room, which, though warm during the day, 
the temperature fell below the freezing point every night. I have not 
been able to follow the species through the winter months in the fields. 

A species of Aphis, undistinguishable from A. mali, appears regularly 
every September, and, indeed, sometimes as early as July 17, on young 
wheat and rye. From the latter date up to the 12th of November they 
have been observed on young grain, giving birth to their young. 

Notwithstanding the fact that the species is not distinguishable from 
the apple tree Aphis, yet the attempt to transfer them to the apple leaf, 
or vice versa, has invariably resulted in failures. 

A second Aphis, as yet undescribed, is found about the roots of wheat, 
often in sufficient nnmbers to affect the plants. This species occurs 
Penquekony fhe: entire State, from about the last of Bepleniney and 


* Eighth Rep. ‘St. Ent. MN, 1879, p- 53. 


a eee 


71 


probably winters over in the fields, in other stages besides the egg, al. 
though we have never yet found them on grain during the early part 
of the year. 

An undescribed species of Rhopalosiphum was found on spring grown 
volunteer wheat, on July 12, of the present year. A few days later 
aduits, both winged and wingless, and young in all stages of develop- 
ment, were found on the heads of orchard grass, Dactylis glomerata, 
and also on the heads of spring sown rye, working precisely after the 
manner of the true Grain Aphis. This species I was not able to follow 
in the fields after about the 10th of August, when it left the heads of 
rye, and, though a large number were placed on young wheat plants, 
in a breeding cage, all seem to have died. 

When this last species was confined on wheat, the same cage and 
plants were utilized as had been used in the attempt to carry the true 
grain Aphis through the months of July and August. But as none of 
the many individuals placed on the plants survived, a large number of 
heads of rye thickly infested by the Rhopalosiphum were placed in the 
eage. When the first winged adult appeared in this cage, I was not a 
little surprised to find it belonged to neither one of the species inten- 
tionally placed in the cage, but to a species of Myzus, which could have 
only gained admission by being introduced with one or the other or both 
of the other species. 

By whatever way it gained admission, this Myzus has continued to 
throw off generation after generation, and at date of writing, Novem- 
ber 25, is still reproducing, although during the entire time—nearly 
four months—it has had no other plants except wheat upon which to 
subsist. It is undescribed. 

Still another species (a Megoura sp.?) was found giving birth to young, 
on leaves of young rye, August 9, but not observed afterwards. 

The natural enemies of the Grain Aphis were, as we might expect, 
unusually numerous the present year, and especially those belonging 
to the Hymenoptera. Of these we had reared, during other years, a 
species of Trioxys in quite abundance, and this season the following 
occurred in great numbers: Bassus sycophanta Walsh, Aphidius avena- 
phis Fitch, Isocratus vulgaris Walker, Encyrtus webstert Howard, Allo- 
tria tritict Fitch, Megaspilus niger Howard, Pachyneuron micans Howard. 

Of the Syrphids, Sphaerophoria cylindrica, Xanthogramma emarginata, 
and Allograpta obliqua were very numerous. A secondary parasite, 
Bassus sycophanta, was in some localities so exceedingly abundant that 
nearly all of these useful flies were destroyed. ; 

Two species of Chrysopa were exceedingly useful. In a field of 
wheat, near Indianapolis, about the middle of June, these were so 
abundant that at every step, from one to four or five individual adults 
would be disturbed, and take wing. The field was but very slightly 
attacked by Siphonophora. 


12 


Of the Coleopterous enemies, the Coceinellidw were by far the most 
industrious. Of this family probably Coccinella 9-notata, with its larvee, 
was the most abundant and generally distributed species. 

In a field of newly harvested grain, in La Grange County, within a 
radius of 3 feet from where I was standing at the time, fifteen individ- 
uals were counted, crawling about among the stubble. Hippodamia 
parenthesis followed next, in point of numbers, H. conrergens, H. 13- 
punctata and H. glacialis being also found in quite large numbers in 
various localities. Megilla maculata was scarcely noticed at all, and 
Anatis 15-punctata but once. 

Podabrus tomentosus was exceedingly useful in some portions of the 
State, while Telephorus carolinus was often quite numerous in the fields 
of the central part of the State. 


ee dd 


ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FROM MISSOURI FOR THE SEA- 
SON OF 1889. 


By Mary KE. Murtrenpt, Airkwood, Mo. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


Dear Sir: I inclose herewith such of my notes and observations on insects as may 
be of economic interest, and in this connection desire to express my sincere thanks 
for determinations and other assistance, for which I am indebted to yourself and to 
others of the official force of the Division. 

Yours, very respectfully, 


- 


Mary E. MurRTFELDT. 
Prof. C. V. RILry, 
U. S. Entomologist. 


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 


The Cabbage Curculio (Ceutorhynchus rapw).—A number of my corre- 
spondents in the central part of the State have intormed me of the 
serious ravages of this insect in their hot-beds and vegetable gardens. 
Mr. I*. M. Webster also wrote me, about the middle of May, that it had 
appeared in his garden in La Fayette, Ind. As yet [ have not found 
it in Kirkwood or vicinity, and as it was with some difficulty that I 
obtained specimens for study, I have not been able to make such tests 
of insecticides upon it as would be practicable in the field. It promises 
to become a general and very considerable pest to the market. gar- 
dener. 

The Wavy-striped Flea-beetle (Phyllotreta vittata)—This insect ap- 
peared in great numbers this year in all parts of the State, being very 
destructive to peppergrass, early radishes, turnips, cabbage,.and other 
Crucifere during the months of April and May. Mr. 5S. W. Gilbert, of 
Thayer, in the extreme southern part of the State, reported a loss of 
over fifty thousand cabbage-plants from the work of the larvz on the 
roots. I could searcely credit the statement that such extensive injury 
was attributable to this one insect until convinced by specimens of the 
pest, and of the injured plants which were excoriated and channeled on 
the surface of the roots from collar to tip, the foliage also being injured 

73 


74 


by the mature beetles. A top-dressing of wood-ashes with a slight ad- 
mixture of Paris green was recommended, but I was not informed with 
what results. 

In company with this flea-beetle on the leaves of late radishes in our 
own garden, I was surprised to find great numbers of a species of 
Podura. I could not determine whether it produced any effect on the 
radish foliage independently, or why it should have appeared there so 
numerously. 

Canker-worms (Anisopteryx vernata), except in orchards thoroughly 
plowed and harrowed the previous autumn, were quite abundant. 
Owing to the very warm winter, and consequent irregularity in emer- 
gence of the moths, cotton band traps, applied even as early as the first 
of March, did not capture as large a proportion of the females as usual. 
On some trees, therefore, the worms were numerous and where not 
killed by spraying were quite injurious. 

The Plum Curculio, which last year caused seareely any damage to 
the fruits usually affected by it, appeared this season with recruited 
ranks; and on peach and plum trees, where spraying was not prac- 
ticed, or where the frequent rains washed off the arsenites, a large pro- 
portion of the fruit was stung. As confirmatory of the single brooded- 
ness of the species, I observed that all the very late peaches, whether 
free or cling stones, even when so severely punctured on the surface as 
to prevent the development of the fruit, were entirely free from worms, 
showing that the cuts had been made for food only. 

Aphidide.—It would seem as though all known and unknown species 
of this group ef insects appeared in myriads throughout the Missis- 
sippi Valley, during the spring and summer. In many instances trees 
and shrubbery were killed outright by the punctures of their countless 
beaks, and the closing of the stomata of the leaves by their sticky 
exudations. So badly infested were the elms, maples, lindens, box- 
elders, and other shade trees, in and around Minneapolis, Minn., during 
the latter part of June that to pause or even pass beneath them was to 
endanger one’s apparel from the honey dew that continually dripped 
from them, and from the black mold that soon covered trunk and 
branch and which *“‘ smutted ? everything touching it. All other insects 
seemed to be repelled from the aphis-infested trees; not even a leaf- 
roller or leaf-miner could I see. In the September number of INSECT 
LIFE, mentioning the prevalence of Aphis avene in the grain-fields of 
many of the Middle and Western States, I observe that Missouri was 
omitted from the list. The insect, however, occurred quite extensively 
in the middle and northern portions of the State, but it appeared 
rather late, and but comparatively little damage was done so far as I 
have been able to learn. 

Syrphus fly, Coccinellid and Chrysopa larvee waged a fierce, but, at 
first, unequal warfare with the tiny hosts, assisted by Aphelinus and 
probably other smaller as well as larger allies, so that as the season 


75 


advanced the Aphididw gradually disappeared and where seasonable 
rains followed the unfortunate plants measurably recovered, though 
the growth of trees and shrubbery was much retarded and distorted 
by them. 

Codling Moth, not seriously destructive in the northern part of the 
State, but in the vicinity of St. Louis and in the southern counties, as [ 
have been apprised by various correspondents, fully 50 per cent. of the 
fruit, on trees not sprayed, was destroyed by it. 

The Stalk-borer (Gortyna nitela) committed its usual depredations in 
the leaf stalks of rhubarb and in shoots of blackberry and peach. 
Mr. S. W. Gilbert wrote me that it was so abundant in his young peach 
orchard that in the course of one walk among the trees he cut off twenty- 
five or thirty bored shoots. He says: 


The worm seems to enter at the second or third bud from the tip and bore through 
the heart as far as the body of the tree but does not enter the hard wood. 


In the flower garden this insect has done considerable damage by 
boring the stalks of dahlias, cosmos, and other flowers. 

The Flea-like Negro-bug (Corimelena pulicaria).—Mr. B.S. Pollard, of 
Cameron, northwest Missouri, under date of May 22, sent specimens of 
this insect with the information that they were very abundant in his 
strawberry beds, and doing much damage by puncturing the bearing 
stems, causing the fruit to shrivel. As it was the fruiting season, I 
was at a loss to suggest a remedy, since this insect is not susceptible to 
the effects of pyrethrum, or other non-poisonous applications. In Kirk- 
wood it appeared in great numbers on hollyhocks and various other 
flowering plants, for which the easiest remedy seemed to be to jar it 
into basins of soap-suds to which had been added a small quantity of 
kerosene. 

Lygus lineatus appeared here and there on tufts of clover, about the 
middle of May, injuring the foliage to considerable extent. It inhabits 
the under surfaces of the leaves which it speckies with transparent dots 
and small patches which cause the leaves to curl and shrivel. Its broad, 
flat larva is of a dull, pale green color, variegated with a.few ferrugin- 
ous marks and shadings. The pupa is very similar, with the addition 
of the wing-pads. 

The Tarnished Plant-bug (Lygus pratensis Linn.).—This insect was more 
abundant than usual throughout the State, and from numerous corre- 
spondents I received bitter complaints of its injuries to apple and pear 
buds and to strawberry beds. During the autumn it appeared in con- 
siderable numbers on chrysanthemums, on which its peculiarly poison. 
ous punctures produce most disastrous effects. I was quite suecessful 
in driving it from our own plants by liberal applications of X. O. dust, 
which proved at the same time a good remedy for the brown aphis, 
which is such a common and unmanageable pest on these beautiful 
flowers. The plants were not injured in the least by the insecticides. 


76 


The Streaked Cottonwood beetle (Plagiodera scripta) appeared in our 
grounds during June on a young Populus, which it threatened to ecom- 
pletely defoliate. The tree being small admitted of thorough drenching 
with a plant syringe with the solution of arsenic and ammonia—1 ounce 
of arsenic in 1 quart of aqua ammonia—i tablespoonful of the solution 
to a gallon of water, by which means and a little hand-picking the pest 
was so thoroughly exterminated that it did not reappear later in the 
season. 

The 12-spotted Diabrotica (D. 12-punetata) was a serious pest during 
the latter part of the season, not only on squash and cucumber vines, 
but on late sweet-corn, and especially in its injuries in the flower garden 
on the blossoms of roses, dahlias, and cosmos on which it literally 
swarmed. To save the flowers it was necessary to make the rounds two 
or three times a day and capture or put the beetles to flight. They 
were not much affected by any of the milder insecticides, and the arseni- 
cal remedies could not very conveniently be applied. 

The European Cabbage-butterfly (Pieris rapa) acquires one or more 
new food plants annually and threatens to become quite omnivorous. 
This year it proved in several localities very destructive to nasturtiums 
(Tropewolum) both in flower and vegetable gardens. None of its para- 
sites have yet appeared, so far as I have been able to ascertain. It 
seems to have entirely supplanted our native P. protodice in this locality. 
Wishing to obtain some larvee of the latter for a certain purpose, I made 
many examinations during the summer of the neigbboring cabbage 
plantations, but did not succeed in finding a single one. 


SPECIAL STUDIES. 
Tue SPINACH BEETLE. 
(Disonyehe collaris Fabr.) 


About the middle of April I observed the leaves of spinach in the gar- 
den were badly perforated, and, upon examination, I found on the un- 
der surfaces numbers of small, dingy, white larvie, evidently of some 
Chrysomelid beetle. They reposed in the numerous depressions between 
the veins, and a slight shake or jar caused them to drop to the ground. 
The insects increased in size and numbers until by the middle of May 
all the leaves were badly injured and the gardeners hereabout com- 
plained that their spinach was so *“‘ worm eaten” this year that they 
could no longer offer it for sale. A few of the samelarve were also found 
on young beet leaves, especially of the white and yellow varieties, and 
upon the wild Chenopodium album, the latter being, I suspect, the orig- 
inal food plant of the insect. 

As the larvie drop so quickly upon being disturbed, it is not often 


that they are observed by the gardener or cook, and the damage was - 


attributed by many to “some kind of cut-worm.” By_ plucking the 


é ome 


Gi 


leaves, carefully, however, as many as fifteen or twenty ‘‘ grubs” were 
sometimes found ona single leaf. 

April 24 I collected a large number, which were placed in a jar in 
order that their development might be more closely watched. Most of 
these were ‘still very small, only from 3 to 4™™ in length. When very 
young they merely gnaw the under surface of the leaf, noticeable on the 
upper side as small discolored spots, but as they increase in size they 
eat entirely through both cuticles, making large roundish perforations. 

It is probable that there are but three larval molts, as, in the case of 
even the smallest larvee under observation, I was able to note but two, 
and infer that one had been passed before they were brought in. 

The larger larvie entered the ground the 4th, 5th, and 6th of May, 
penetrating to a depth of only from one-fourth to one-half an inch and 
inclosing themselves in frail, nearly spherical, cocoons or cells of earth 
cemented with a viscid secretion. Larvie, however, were found on 
the spinach throughout the month of May. 

May 25 one of the beetles emerged, which proved to be Disonycha 
collaris Fabr.; and from this time until after the middle of June bred 
specimens continued to come out. 

A package of specimens was sent to the Department in case it should 
be considered desirable to have drawings made of the different stages 
of development. Unfortunately this consignment did not reach Wash- 
ington, and I did not learn of the failure until too late to replace it. 
Specimens were, however, preserved in alcohol, which retain all the 
important characters. ; 

No account of the immature stages of the insect or of its spinach- 
feeding propensity is to be found in any work on economic entomology 
to which I have access, and I think it has not heretofore been recog- 
nized among the pests of the vegetable garden. I therefore subjoin 
the following descriptions. 

Egg, not observed. 

Mature larva, trom which the young differ only in size, 9™™ in length, 3 to 4™™ in 
diameter; form subcylindrical, tapering slightly each way from middle segments, 
which, both in resting and crawling, appears somewhat elevated or “hunched up.” 
Color a dirty, rather livid white, with a shiny, slightly viscid surface, each segment 
produced with ten conical papille—lateral ones largest—each of which terminates 
in a minute bristle. Head about one-half the diameter of the thoracic segments, 
oblique, circular, corneous, fulvous, paler in front, with dark brown mouthparts and © 
two dark brown, somewhat elevated, spots on each side. The posterior end of the 
body terminates in a dark brown, corneous wing, most pronounced on the dorsal side, 
fringed with bristles. Thisis always appressed to the leaf, and in moving the bris- 
tles assist in propulsion. Legs concolorous with general surface, but with fulvous 
or dingy brown annulations, the terminal joint being entirely of the dark color. 

Pupa, 8™™ in length, 3 in diameter across dorsum, with elytra and wings partly 
extended as in other pupe of Halticinw ; the legs drawn up and folded close against 
the body. Color pearly white in all its parts, acquiring a translucent gray tinge 
before the last transformation. 

Beetle quite pale at first, gradually acquiring the dark metallic green of the elytra, 
buff thorax, dark legs and under surface and other colorational characteristics of the 
mature insect, 


78 


This species seems to be but single brooded, as no young larve were 
to be found after the first of June. As, however, the spinach beds 
were rooted out before midsummer in all the gardens of the vicinity, I 
can not be quite certain upon this point, but could not discover it on 
beets or any of the native Chenopodiacee. The insect is one to which 
it is difficult to apply insecticides, as the leaves which it attacks lie 
close to the earth and it is, as a rule, on the under side. 


NEw Rose SLuG. 
(Cladius isomera Harris.) 


Early in August a friend, residing at St. Charles, Mo., sent me speci- 
mens of a Tenthredinid larva that was working on her rose bushes, es- 
pecially on climbers. This species, new to me, devours the entire sub- 
stance of the leaves, guawing into them large ragged holes and webbing 
them together in the formation of its cocoons, greatly injuriny and dis- 
figuring the plants. It is characterized as follows: 

Mature larva 12" in length, 3™™ in diameter across thorax, from 
whence it tapers very shghtly backward; form cylindrical. Color, pale 
bluish-green, surface clothed with tufts of soft gray hairs. Head 
opaque, dull whitish green, under the lens densely mottled with pale, 
ferruginous, small black dot, above which is a rectangular ferruginous 
Spot on each side. Twenty legs, concolorous with general surface. 
Spins up between folded leaf or betweeu two leaves, in glassy, gummy, 
pale brown cocoon, 7" long, of an oblong shape, flattened on both 
sides against the inclosing leaves and with many gummy threads 
spreading in every direction. 

Cocoons were formed in rearing cage August 20. Flies appeared 
August 29. On the 2d of September I detected two in the act of ovi- 
positing, with their well-developed “saws” deeply buried, one in the 
midrib, the other in the petiole of a fresh leaf. Two or three minutes 
’ were occupied in the placing of an egg and each fly put in three or four 
without pausing to rest. By carefully detaching the surrounding fibers 
the egg was revealed. It is oblong, scarcely 1™™ in length, and almost 
transparent. These eggs failed to hatch, probably for lack of fecun- 
dation. 

From what I have learned from my friend, and infer from the habits of 
the insect in the rearing cage, there are an indefinite number of broods 
during the summer, and where it has become established it is therefore 
a more serious pest of the “queen of flowers” than even Selandria 
rose. Ido not doubt, however, that by killing off the earliest broods 
with drenchings of an infusion of white hellebore, it could be kept 
in check and by perseverance in the treatment eventually extermi- 
nated. I have not been informed of its occurrence in any other part of 
the State, 


ae ane 


79 


THe Wuitr FRINGE SLUG. 
(Selandria ? sp.) 


The White Fringe tree (Chionanthus virginica ), in its season one of the 
most exquisite of flowering shrubs or small trees, is subject to the an- 
nual attack of a medium-sized, spiny slug that pertorates the leaves 
with small round holes after reducing the greater number of them to 
mere lace-work. This species is single brooded, but the parent flies 
appear irregularly and larve may often be found from the latter part 
of April until the end of May, in the interval seriously disfiguring, 
often killing, the foliage. It lives on the under side of the leaves and 
feeds chiefly at night. Full grown larve from 9 to 12™™ long, 3"™ in- 
diameter across the thoracic segments, form cylindrical, nearly equal 
throughout, or tapering slightly backward from thorax. Color green- 
ish-white, surface very rugose, dorsum and sides quite thickly beset 
with bifid spines, those on dorsum jet black, arising from velvety black 
spots and being largest in the subdorsal region; lateral spines pale. 
Head about one-half the diameter of thorax, almost spherical, jet black, 
immaculate. Legs, 22 in number, concolorous with general surface, 
and unusually well developed. With me it has proved a difficult species 
to rear, and 1 confined the larvie for several successive seasons without 
getting asingle fly, and last spring but two from a large number of 
larve developed. In the rearing cage, after ceasing to feed, the larvie 
desert the leaves and wander restlessly around the cage, many of them 
dying without entering the ground. The few that transform inclose 
themselves in very brittle, nearly spherical cells ‘about an inch below 
the surface, and as with most other saw-fly larve that enter the ground 
brook no disturbance during the quiescent period. The two flies that 
1 succeeded in rearing came out about the middle of April. 

Syringing the under sides of the leaves with a strong infusion of 
white hellebore, or with Paris green in liquid suspension, wil! kill the 
pests, with but little detriment to the foliage. 


DESCRIPTION OF THE LARVA AND PUPA OF PALTHIS ANGULALIS. 


Among the insects trapped last spring in loose cotton around the 
trunks of apple trees were a considerable number of a dingy-colored 
noctuid larva, about 1 centimeter in length by 4"™ in diameter, of nearly 
equal width throughout, the segments appearing somewhat hunched to- 
gether. Surface rough, of an earthy-brown color, palest on dorsum. 
Under the lens, especially after being dropped in alcohol, a tinge of 
green appears, and the paler cast of the dorsal surface is resolved into 
a spreading V composed of minute white stippling. This is especially 
pronounced on the posterior segments, where the angle of the V is de- 
veloped into a papillate elevation. Head small, much retracted, dark 
brown; legs and prolegs, and also to some extent the entire ventral sur- 
face, verdigris green, These larvie were found from the Ist to the 5th 


80 


of April, and, when placed in the cage with opening apple buds, nibbled 
a little, but almost immediately changed to pup within a cluster of 
webbed leaves. Pupa smooth, dark brown, without any especially dis- 
tinguishing characters. Three imagines appeared April 24. They were 
of a species which had been long before determined for me as a Palthis 
angulalis. 

With the idea that possibly the immature stages of this insect had 
not previously been observed, I submit the above descriptions. 


INSECTICIDES. 


White arsenic in ammoniacal solution—1 ounce arsenic to 1 quart aqua 
ammonia—one tablespoonful of this to a gallon of water proved a 
failure in the case of most insects, while it still scorched the leaves 
somewhat. 

A soda solution made on a smaller scale had much the same effect on 
the foliage of peach and plum trees, and was not, so far as could be 
observed, efficient in protecting the fruit from cureulio. 

White arsenic in boiling water, the latter being only a partial sol- 
vent, in the proportion of an ounce of arsenic to 20 gallons of water, 
was sprayed upon young peach and plum trees without injury to the 
foliage. The frequent rains of the late spring and early summer ren- 
dered many of the applications futile in the case of the curculio and cod- 
ling moth. Paris green in liquid, 1 pound to 100 gallons of water, has 
been found the safest and most reliable insecticide for use against 
the canker-worm and codling moth. Its effects on insect life seem to 
be due not alone to the percentage of arsenic, but to the general com- 
bination, while on vegetation it produces less injury than London pur- 
ple or any of the solutions of pure arsenic. 

In my somewhat limited experience the petroleum emulsions can not 
be excelled as a remedy for all species of scale insects, and when ap- 
plied according to instructions, do no appreciable injury to trees and 
shrubs. 

X. O. Dust.—Late in May I received from the Department a package 
of this new patented insecticide, with instructions to test its value on 
various injurious insects. It is to be applied full strength and claims 
to kill by contact and at the same time to be innoxious to man and the 
higher animals and to vegetable life. 

June 1.—Applied the powder about 9 o’clock in the morning to Dory- 
phora larvee on potato, to late specimens of the rose-slug (Selandria 
ros), to Aphis persice on young peach and plum trees, and to Aphis 
sp.? on chrysanthemums; also to young cabbages and radishes, on 
which flea beetles (Phyllotreta vittata and zimmermanni) were abundant 
and destructive. Three hours later visited these plants and noted fol- 
lowing results: Rose-slugs considerably affected, showing symptoms of 
sickness and paralysis and dropping from the leaves when jarred. 
Doryphora larvie not seriously affected, only the smaller ones had 
dropped, while some of those nearly grown continued feeding, appar- 


81 


ently not inconvenienced by the dust that adhered to them. Flea 
beetles not killed, but evidently demoralized and deserting rapidly, 
Its effects on Aphididw were quite satisfactory. All species to which 
it had been applied seemed to be killed or paralyzed and had with- 
drawn their beaks from the stems or leaves, and if they had not already 
fallen did so upon the slightest jar. At the same time Chrysopa and 
Coccinellid larve appeared but little, if any, injured, and were seen 
making their way to other hunting grounds on which the game should 
not be so pungently spiced. Syrphus-fly larve, however, did not 
escape, and all that received much of the dust were killed. 

At 7 in the evening more of the powder was distributed on infested 
potatoes and on all species of Aphis that could be reached. 

June 3.—The effects of the Dust on the Colorado potato-beetle are by 
no means so immediate and thorough as claimed in the circulars of the 
manufacturers. Repeated applications would seem to be necessary to kil] 
the larvze, while according to my experience the perfect beetle will live 
for days thoroughly dusted with the powder and inclosed in a box. At 
the same time it certainly does protect the plants to which it is applied, 
especially while fresh, by acting as a repellant. 

September 10.—Tested the Dust on larvee of the cabbage butterfly 
which are beginning to be found again in cabbage fields. Used the 
insecticide in the open air, also on a few full-grown larve placed-in 
jar, under muslin cover. 

September i5.—Plants dusted seem almost entirely free from worms, 
but several of the larvie confined completed their first transformation 
without apparently receiving any injury from the powder. 

September 21.—Repeated these tests with powder taken from the bot- 
tom of the can and found that young Pieris larvee succumbed to its 
effects in two or three hours, while the larger larvie often lived more 
than twenty-four hours, not eating, however, in the mean time, but 
lingering in a lethargic state until dead. 

October 19.—Renewed these experiments on the latest brood of worms 
which are now to be found of all sizes on cabbages, turnips, and nastur- 
tiums. The immediate effect of the powder is to cause the larvee to 
cease feeding and toss themselves about uneasily, making efforts to 
free themselves from the irritating substance. Two hours later all were 
in a lethargic state, many lying upon their sides in the folds of the leaves 
and on the ground. They would squirm when touched, but gave no 
other sign of life. Twenty-four hours later all the small larve were 
dead ; the others that had passed the second molt still lived, but were 
inactive with a sickly color. Forty-eight hours afterward all were 
dead. From these tests and experiments I conclude that this X. O. 
Dust may be classed with reliable remedies for this and probably other 
Lepidopterous cabbage pests, its value being.nearly equal to that of 
Pyrethrum powder. 

This remedy was also used on Tarnished Plant-bug with the effect of 

23479—No, 22——6 


82 


driving it from the dusted plants, although bugs confined in a box with 
it would survive several days. 

The little Halticus pallicornis, which was this year very troublesome, 
not only in the clover fields and vegetable gardens, on beans, cucumbers, 
etc., but was especially destructive to asters, was also routed by having 
hig powder puffed on the under side of the earee the young bugs were 
killed and the mature ones driven away. 

The Dust was further tested on a few late ane Agrotis saucia, 
Celena renigera, and some other species which I can not name, but 
without much effect, as the powdered worms in the course of an hour 
all crawled out of the deep box in which they had been confined and 
escaped. 

All hairy larve, as inthe case of Pyrethrum, seemed insensible to its 
effects, so also did the striped and twelve-spotted cucumber beetles and 
other mature Coleoptera and the squash-bug. 

There are quite a number of injurious insects on which I did not have 
opportunity to use it, and on which I hope to experiment with it another 
season. 

From my experience with it this season I should rank it among the 
second-class insecticides, producing similar effects, but not quite equal 
to the California Buhach, but still valuable for use against certain in- 
sects on which it is not safe or expedient to employ the arsenates. 


NOTES ON PHYLLOXERA RILEYI FOR 1889. 


June 15.—Received instructions. through Mr. Howard to coilect and 
prepare specimens of Ph. rileyi in all its stages in fluid and in balsam 
on microscopic slides. 

The post-oaks (Q. obtusiloba), on which the insect chiefly occurs on 
the place, were found to be less abundantly infested than during other 
years. The first leaves which have attained their growth and are begin- 
ning to toughen are, however, considerably speckled with their punct- 
ures, especially along the midrib and principal veins. Very few besides 
the pale yellow, smooth, elongate forms are noticeable. 

Put up a number of infested leaves in alcohol reduced about 60 per 
cent. with water. (These I afterwards learned from Mr. Howard did not 
keep, the alcohol being perhaps too strong). I also prepared slides. 

July 22.—Have just returned from Minnesota. Sent slides on. to 
Washington. Examined leaves of post-oak around home, but found no 
winged Phylloxera, and very little change in the specimens on the leaves 
during the last month. 

Among other insects preying on the aphis is Gcanthus latipennis in 
noticeable numbers, one or more on the under side of nearly every leaf. 
They are now nearly full-grown larve. The puzzle is how they come 
to be on the oaks, when I have never found their punctures in the twigs 
and when some of the trees are at quite a distance from raspberry or 
grape vines, in which they mostly deposit their eggs. 

July 29.—After driving about the country in several directions I 


— 


83 * 


found on the roadside about a mile from town some post-oak sprouts 
on which Phyllovera abounded in all stages of development. The pale 
smooth variety was most numerous on the older and tougher leaves, 
while the darker, tubercled larvie and pseudo-pupe and a few winged 
specimens crowded the unfolding second growth. The young leaves 
were much curled and distorted by their innumerable punctures. The 
aphids were preyed upon by the larve of the green Chrysopa and of 
one or two small Coccinellids; the deep red larve of asmall Thrips was 
especially active and numerous among them, as also was the whitish 
gray larva of a small bug (No. 3 of my consignment of October 2). 

Put up specimens on slides and sent some alive to Mr. Howard in 
tubes ; also some in alcohol. I also placed winged individuals in three 
different sizes of tubes and on clean leaves in water in a glass jar. 

August 3.—Notwithstanding all my care all the winged lice perished 
without leaving any eggs, to my great disappointment. Probably the 
extreme heat of the weather was unfavorable. Cleaned and disinfected 
my tubes and put in fresh winged forms and closed the tubes with loose 
cotton instead of cork to prevent excess of moisture. 

August 3.—Another failure. All the specimens dead and molded 
and no eggs. I can not understand it. 

August 15.—Made another excursion out into the country and suc- 
ceeded in obtaining a very few. Nearly all the young oaks so badly 
infested two weeks ago are entirely cleared, probably by the migration 
of the winged forms and the destruction of eggs and wingless forms by 
predatory insects. The tender shoots are also killed and stand up stiff 
and dry; the drought being severe, there was no opportunity for them 
to recover from the attacks of the aphis. 

On the lower mature leaves the insect still abounds in its wingless 
forms, mostly the flat, pale, smooth variety. Put seven of the winged 
aphis into a very small tube with a bit of mature oak-leaf and closed it 
tightly with common cork. (The rubber corks kill all insects inclosed 
with them very shortly, probably with their sulphurous emanations.) 
Also put about a half dozen on growing sprouts of oak, out of doors, 
but which seemed to be entirely free from infection, inclosed under fine 
muslin cover. 

August 17.—Have at last succeeded in getting nine eggs in the small 
tube. These eggs do not differ much from those of the ordinary apter- 
ous form. On close comparison they seem rather more opaque and of 
a deeper yellow tint than the latter, but even in these particulars. there 
is some variation. Each individual produces from one to three eggs; 
and usually perishes beside them. 

August 21.—Kggs still healthy and beginning to show segmentation 
with two red eye-spots on the cephalic end. There is evidently a slip- 
ping backward of the thin pellicle that incloses them, although as yet 
no motion is discoverable. The eggs were all laid on the glass and not 
on the portion of the leaf inclosed with them. 

August 22.—Three Phyllovera have hatched from the eggs and one 


2 


84 


has crawled quite a distance. The egg-shells or pellicles are left as an 
almost transparent round dot at the place of hatching. Nearly all the 
substance of the egg seems to be absorbed into the young aphis. In- 
serted a bit of fresh young leaf, but they do not seem to be attracted to 
it, and remain crawling on the glass. 

August 23.—Two more have hatched. They appear all alike so far as. 
can be ascertained with a lens. Three were sacrificed for microscopic 
examination. Have the specimens under almost constant observation, 
but am not able to find them pairing or exhibiting any sexual attrac- 
tion. Neither can [induce them to feed on even the tenderest bits of 
leaf. They appear precisely like the parthenogenetic forms through 
my lens, which is not sufficiently powerful to resolve the mouth parts 
and genitalia. 

September 1.—Only two still alive and noeggs. Transferred the sur- 
vivors as carefully as possible to fresh leaf and placed in clean tube. 

Examined inclosed leaves out of doors but could detect neither eggs 
nor larve. It is an almost impossible task to keep track of such micro- 
scopic creatures in the open air. 

The wingless lice have now become quite abundant on all our post- 
oaks. I do not find them on the white oak proper, but as I have ex- 
amined them almost daily since the middle of July I am confident that 
none of the winged individuals occurred on any of the oaks on the 
place. I believe they never do occur in any numbers except on the 
more succulent growth of sprouts where living trees have been cut. 

‘September 10.—All my progeny of winged lice have perished without 
leaving a single egg. Made another excursion into the country but 
obtained only two or three winged individuals which I put in tube, but 
of which I do not entertain much hope. 

On one of the leaves out of doors, isolated about a month ago, I find by 
critical examination a very few minute specimens which are probably 
the progeny of the winged forms inclosed. Put some in balsam, though 
I can not see that they differ from the other wingless young on exposed 
leaves. 

September 15.—No success with the last inclosure in tube. 

October 25.—Have had one or two quite hard frosts. Leaves all 
turned in color, and Phylloxera becoming very active, congregating 
along principal veins and migrating on to the twigs. Their insect ene- 
mies have mostly disappeared and I notice that eggs are more plentiful 
than usual on the leaves. 

From my observations this year I incline to the opinion that the 
winged form is necessary merely for the spread of the species, and that 
the young from the eggs of this form are not necessarily true-sexed 
individuals, although it is possible that these may occur without any 
especial regularity from the eggs of both winged and wingless forms. 

Another year, if nothing happens to prevent, I will try to have some 
oaks in flower pots for more convenient and natural colonization of the 
Phylloxera, and for greater ease in examination. 


Ca 


bf 


REPORT ON CALIFORNIA INSECTS. 


3y ALBERT KOEBELE, Special Agent. 


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 


ALAMEDA, CAL. October 25, 1889. 


Sir: I herewith submit my report upon observations made and work done since 
my return from Australia. 

After returning to Alameda on April 15, some time was taken up in writing out 
my reports upon work done in Australia, and also in assisting in raising and distrib- 
uting in the northern part of this State the Australian Ladybird-enemy of the Icerya. 
This Ladybird does remarkably good and speedy work everywhere. As usual my chief 
work has been the breeding and studying of all insects, injurious and otherwise, that 
have come under my notice, the special notes on which will accompany material that 
will be sent in. 

Respectfully, 


ALBERT KOEBELE. 
Prose Vi RILEY, 


U.S. Entomologist. 


THE MADRONA TREE BORER. 
(Polycaon confertus Lec.) 


This destructive beetle occurs toa greater or less extent every spring 
and summer upon various fruit-trees, vines, ete., boring into the fresh 
wood and destroying it. During my stay in the Santa Cruz Mountains 
the past summer they were observed everywhere, and most abundantly 
during May and June. On any dead tree, as soon as the leaves begin 
to fade, this beetle may be found, though always most abundantly upon 
the Madrona tree (Arbutus menziesii). Old trees of this species, such as 
have been allowed to lay on the ground for a year or two, are always 
completely perforated with holes from which these beetles have made 
their exit. In cutting through, one finds the wood nothing but mines 
produced by the larve, the mines generally running lengthwise, but often 
crossing each other. The Madrona tree seems to be the ordinary if not 
the only plant in which the beetle breeds. Notwithstanding that the 
mature insect bores in almost any kind of fresh wood, and especially 
favors such as has been somewhat injured by the hot sun, the larva is 


85 


86 


not, or has never yet been, found in such places. It is the general be- 
lief here that it breeds in the wood of Oak, yet, so far as my experience 
goes, its larvee are never found in other than the Madrona wood. It is 
very remarkable, in view of the above, that they should live and trans- 
form within apples from which this beetle has been bred. 

On August 2, 1887, at St. Helena, Cal., a large number of the nearly 
grown apples upon trees in a private garden were observed to be dead 
and yellowish brown. One of these, taken to Alameda and exam- 
ined, proved to contain a smail whitish Coleopterous larva. This was 
living and thriving on the dead and dry apple until April 16, 1888, 
when it transformed to a pupa, from which the mature beetle issued on 
April 28. Since then no infested apples have been observed, nor have 
I seen any of the large fruit in the condition described above. The 
work of these beetles was witnessed in the Santa Cruz Mountains May 
25, 1888, chiefly upon grapes and plums, yet they will attack olives and 
other trees as well. In many cases the shoots of grapes are cut off 
entirely and fall to the ground, where either one or both sexes may be 
found at work, In one case I noticed a plum tree the northern branches 
of which were entirely destroyed. The beetle will often make several 
holes into the center of a branch before entering; no doubt being com- 
pelled to leave on account of the copious flow of sap. Seven such holes 
were found in one branch, in the lowermost of which the beetle had 
entered and formed a tunnel of about 3 inches in length. On the other 
branches, aside from the many holes started, but two tunnels were 
found and no insects were present. This will show that one of these 
beetles alone is capable of disfiguring an entire tree, while two or three 
specimens can destroy a tree. 

As a remedy, the recommendation of clearing and burning the dead 
Madrona wood alone would certainly have a most remarkable effect 
in reducing the numbers of this beetle. 


(Chrysobothris mali Horn.) 


The larva of this Buprestid is very destructive to currant bushes. 
It is found in the Santa Cruz Mountains, at least in such numbers as 
to destroy all the plants. Indeed, it is impossible to raise this fruit in 
that district on account of this insect. They have not been observed 
as yet in the valleys, where in their place Ageria tipuliformis Linn. is 
more numerously represented upon this plant than in the hills. As 
many as fifteen or even twenty Buprestid larvie may be found within a 
single plant, the stems of which naturally die and break off near the 
ground. The beetle is found most abundantly during June and July, 
when they can be seen resting on the plants generally near the ground 
during sunshine. It is then that they lay their eggs on the lower part 
of the branches and close to the ground where most of the larve are 
found. Eggs are also placed at a height of 2 feet, or even more, ac- 
cording to the size of the plant, and below the ground to the depth of 


87 


several inches. Where the larvie are very numerous the plants will die 
before the larve are grown, and most of the latter will perish; only 
such as are situated near ‘or below the ground will survive. Empty 
pup of two species of parasites were observed within the burrows of 
the larve, both apparently belonging to the Ichneumonide. 

Asaremedy, the collecting of the beetles may be recommended. Dur- 
ing early morning and evening they may be found either on the cur- 
rant bushes or the surrounding trees, almost always at rest on and 
within dry and dead leaves from which they can be shaken into an 
umbrella. During their operations upon the plants in the day-time itis 
difficult to get near them as they are very quick on the wing and ex- 
ceedingly shy. Collecting and burning the infested plants during 
winter, and also the whitewashing of lower parts of plants may have a 
good effect; this should be done about the end of May. 


(Diabrotica soror Lec.) 


This beetle occurs occasionally in such numbers as to become ex- 
ceedingly destructive to fruits and vegetables. As yet the earlicr stages 
have not been studied. All attempts to get eggs and larvie have so 
far been a failure on my part as wellas on the part of other entomol- 
ogists. A large number of the beetles were kept in confinement for 
weeks with various living plants without any results. The larva, without 
doubt, will be found to have the same habits as the other species of the 
the group,—feeding upon roots of various plants. Fortunately this 
insect is preyed upon by a dipterous larva, which without doubt de- 
stroys the greater number of them, in certain years at least. As early as 
1886, while at Los Angeles, Mr. Alexander Craw, of that city, showed 
both Mr. Coquillett and myself the larva infesting this beetle. I did 
not succeed in breeding the same until June last, and Mr. Coquillett re- 
ports recently of his partial success in this particular.* 


THE TENT-CATERPILLARS. 
(Clisiocampa spp. ) 


From year to year these worms become more and more numerous 
upon fruit trees. Mr. Stretch in his paper on the genust cites six species 
as occurring on this coast,—C. californica Packard, as feeding upon 
Quercus agrifolia; C. fragilis, Stretch, from Nevada; C. constricta, 
Stretch, on Quercus conomensis; C. strigosa, Siretch, from Yosemite 
Valley; C. erosa, Stretch, from Oregon ; and CO. thoracica, Stretch, as 
feeding upon Willow. The genus, however, seems to be far more nu- 
merously represented. In addition to this I have bred one species from 
the Sierra Nevada Mountains upon Ceanothus and wild cherry (Prunus 
demissa); 2 second species was found to be very abundant in Los An- 


* Insect Life, Vol. II, No. 3, p. 74. 
t Papilio, Vol. I, No. 5, pp. 63-69. 


88 


geles County upon a species of Oak ; a third species was bred in the Santa 
Cruz Mountains feeding originally upon Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, but it 
was extremely abundant also upon fruit-trees, especially prunes and 
plums. J also found eggs of one of these moths in Shasta Valley upon 
a species of wild Currant. Of all the species the most abundant upon 
fruit-trees was C. thoracica, originally feeding upon Willow. This 
species defoliated most of the trees in Napa and Sonoma Counties last 
year. On my visit to Sonoma County this month (October), I found 
numerous old skins still presént everywhere upon apple trees. They 
were either C. thoracica or C. constricta,—these two larvee resembling 
each other somewhat. Fortunately the eggs as well as the larvee are 
preyed upon by numerous parasites. Professor Rivers, of Berkeley, in- 
formed me that of one egg-mass of C. constricta each egg produced a 
small hymenopterous parasite. I have myself bred something similar 
from egg-masses on Ceanothus cordulatus. The old remedy* will be 
found best, viz, cut off and burn the egg-clusters during the winter, 
and collect and burn the nests in spring. 


CUT WORMS. 


Various Noctuid larvee are usually numerous and destructive to 
orchards, vineyards, grain, and vegetables during spring, attacking the 
young foliage, twigs, and even fruit of trees, while in vineyards they 
often defoliate large numbers of the vines. As yet 1 have never been 
able to obtain any specimens of these larvee from the injured field for 
breeding. Dr. Behr, of San Francisco, has shown me one larva that 
had been received from Santa Cruz, where they injure the vines ; he did 
not, however, succeed in breeding them and the species is as yet not 
known. The larvie bore the closest resemblance to those of Agrotis 
messoria Harris (cochranii Riley),t yet many of these Agrotid larve 
resemble each other so closely that their distinction can not be made 
with any certainty. A similar insect, if not the same, was. bred from 
the eggs. (No. 378k). During September and the first of October, 
1887, many of these moths came to sugar at Alameda, and were at the 
time the most common of all so collected. A number of them were con- 
fined in boxes but no eggs could be obtained until the middle of Octo- 
ber. The eggs were of a straw-yellow color at first and after ten days 
changed to a dark grayish color, showing that the embryo had come to 
maturity. The young larvee, however, did not come out before the 
rains set in, December 8, at which date they began to issue and con- 
tinued to appear into January, 1888. They were kept and fed in a room 
and attained full growth in about five weeks, pupating at the end of 
March and issuing as moths one month later. This peculiarity of 
hibernating either in egg, larva, or pupa state during the dry season 
has been observed in numerous other insects in California, which are 


*Professor Riley’s Third Missouri Report, p. 120. t Lbid, pp. 74-76, 


89 


dependént upon such plants as are dried up from July until the rains 
set in, generally October or November. I will give here the history of 
one of these: 

Agrotis crenulata, Smith.—On September 29, 1887, one pair of these 
moths was found about 10 p. m. in coitu on the upper side of a leaf of 
Quercus agrifolia at Alameda. The female began to lay her eggs the 
following day and continued until October 10, after which she died. On 
counting it was found that the number of eggs was 1,026. The young 
larvie began to issue on October 12. They are, when full grown, very sim- 
ilar to those of A. clandestina,* for which they were taken before being 
bred. Naturally all such larvae grow very slowly during the winter 
months, and reach their full growth about March, when they may be 
found most anywhere amongst grass, grain, or vegetables. Their chief 
food, however, consists of grasses. From larve that entered the ground 
in breeding cages on March 12, the first moth came out on April 16. 
In a state of nature it would be about the same probably, allowing for 
a week’s variation either way in the appearance of the moths according 
to the situation of the chrysalids. The moths are found from April to 
July, being most abundant during May and June, at least in localities 
where food is sufficient. In the Santa Cruz Mountains they were ob- 
- served to appear soon after dark upon the flowers of Wsculus californicus 
(Buckeye), and could be seen in numbers every night until the flowers 
disappeared ; in other localities, where flowers and natural food are not 
so abundant, they may retire sooner into their hibernating quarters. 
During June, 1886, I found them very abundant in a deep, shady canon 
in Los Angeles County, amongst leaves, flying up at my approach and 
settling down a short distance off. On my visit to the same locality 
one month later not one moth was seen on the wing. But if at this 
time one searches closer down amongst the dead and damp leaves they 
will be found in a semi-dormant state. After being exposed :a short 
time they soon fly off to a dark corner and disappear again. In such 
condition they were observed all last summer in the Santa Cruz Mount- 
ains. In open country, distant from woods, they may occasionally be 
found hidden under or between boards or ijn old stumps, rubbish, ete. 
They preter, however, to hide in the woods amid the dead leaves found 
there. As in other parts the warm rays of the sun in the spring awaken 
many of the hibernating insects, so here the first rains in fall will do 
the same, especially with the Noctuide. 


NOTES ON THE HABITS OF THE CODLING MOTH AND ITS ENEMIES 
AND PARASITES IN CALIFORNIA. 


During my repeated visits to the Santa Cruz Mountains the past sum- 
mer some observations were made upon the Codling Moth and its ene- 
mies which may be of interest. The moth as a rule is double-brooded 
in that locality, and no doubt will not differ in its habits to any extent 


* Professor Riley’s First Missouri Report, p. 79. 


90 


throughout California. They may appear somewhat earlier in the val- 
leys. From dates noted in 1887 some of the moths were out on April 
22 at Santa Clara, and one larva found then did not produce the moth 
until May 10. Two days after this they were also observed flying at 
Alameda. One larva found under bark of pear tree at Los Angeles on 
July 19, 1886, and evidently of the first brood, did not produce the moth 
until the end of April the following year. During August, 1887, the 
moths were abundant at Alameda; on the 2d of the month a cocoon 
was found about 8 feet from the trunk of the tree, under a fallen 
apple, from which the larva had issued. The moth from this appeared 
on the 13th of the same month. Two days later, on a hot and sunny 
day, while walking through an old apple orchard at 10 p. m., moths 
started up either from the trunk or lower leaves of nearly every tree 
and settled down again, generally higher up and on the upper side of 
leaves exposed to the sun. 

Larvie and chrysalids were found in abundance the same day, and 


from one of the latter a parasite issued on August 26. This proved to 


be Pimpla annulipes. Up to September 17 moths issued from the chrys- 
alids; one larva that pupated during this month did not, however, pro- 
duce the moth until December 10. During 1888 the first moth was ob- 
served at Alameda as early as March 17, sitting on the upper side of 
an orange leaf exposed to the sun. But very few of the apple trees 
were in bloom at this time. Two days later moths began to issue in the 
house from larvee collected the previous December. Several issued up 
to March 28. The present season the moths were not observed in any 
numbers before May 25 in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The fruit at this 
time was about 1 inch in diameter. From this date on until the end of 
June there could be seen at dusk from 25 to 50 on each tree. The 
place is situated on the east side of the hills. About a half hour after 
the sun disappeared behind the mountains, and while it was yet visi- 
ble for nearly that length of time on the opposite hills, the moths be- 
gan to appear, flying with quick movements around the trees, chiefly 
near the top, and settling down again upon the leaves or fruit from 
time to time. This was kept up until towards dark when they became 
less numerous. During this time both sexes may be readily collected 
with a long butterfly-net. I have taken many near the ground on the 
lower leaves and often distant from fruit trees. By their peculiar flight 
they are easily distinguished from any other species of moths. 


About the middle of August, at which time some of the fruit had 


already been taken off, thesecond brood made its appearance, yet at this 
time many larvie could still be found within the infested fruit, and from 
material collected then and taken to Alameda, moths came out in num- 
bers until September 12. I was informed that Bartlett pears taken 
from the trees when the second brood had made its appearance were 
all sound, not one in twenty being wormy. On examination, however, 
I found the opposite to be the ease. About one pear in twenty only was 


> 58) 


o 


found without any eggs or traces of young larve of Carpocapsa, the 
second brood having already begun its destructive work. From these 
few notes it is evident that with a little care early fruit can be kept 
almost free from the attacks of the worms, while with later sorts this 
becomes more difficult, and such fruit generally is rendered useless by 
the attacks of the second brood, and is fed to pigs. 

Enemies.—Enemies of the Codling Moth appear to be quite abundant 
in California already. I have indeed been surprised in finding minute 
Chalcids infesting the eggs.* These are not numerous, and had not | 
been observed on eggs of the first brood, yet they may have been pres- 
ent. In fourteen boxes of Bartlett pears examined on August 20 and 
21, about seventy parasitized eggs were found, and about an equal 
number from which the parasites had issued; no doubt some were over- 
looked. But few of the pears showed traces of worms of the first brood, 
yet nearly all contained eggs of the second brood and very often more 
than one. As many as eleven eggs were found upon a single pear. 
One was found on the stem, six on the pear surrounding the stem, two 
on the upper half and the other two near the calyx. Of these, two con- 
tained parasites, one of which had issued, two were still fresh, and the 
rest had hatched. Ishould note here that the pears had been taken off 
three days previously. In other pears with less eggs, as many as three 
and even four young larve were found. The eggs found upon pears 
were most numerous near the stem, the others almost invariably on the 
upper surface of fruit, and but very few on the lower part or calyx. It 
was also observed that the young larve very rarely enter the fruit 
where an egg is deposited, but generally somewhat lower down, and in 
. many instances instead of going to the center they leave their first mine 
after a few days and enter at the open calyx. On apples it appears 
they will oftener enter the fruit from the sides. 

Many of the eggs of the first brood were destroyed by some enemy, 
what I could not learn. They had a brownish and shrunken appearance, 
and it is probable that they were destroyed by the Chrysopa larve, 
which were present in numbers upon the trees at the time. With the 
exception of these and the Coccinellid larvz no other insects were ob- 
served in numbers likely to destroy the eggs. This*was not observed 
to be the case with eggs of the second brood, at which time the pre- 
daceous larvee mentioned had disappeared. The other three parasites 
bred during the summer are all from the chrysalids. The most efficient 
destroyer of Carpocapsa, however, is a small bat which is always in 
search of the moths, appearing somewhat later than the latter, but 
keeping up its chase until dark, when apparently the moths cease their 
flight and the bats go off in search of other food. Every night during 
June as many as six of these bats were to be seen flying around an 
isolated apple tree upon which there were a large number of the moths, 
not only taking the Carpocapsa on the wing, but very often darting at a 


*This parasite is a species of the genus Trichogramma.—C. V. Rh. 


92 


leaf to get the resting moth. Of not less value is the larva of a Neu- 
ropterous insect, a Raphidia, which is present in numbers. Its long 
and flat structure together with its activeness enables it to hunt up any 
larva that may be present under bark or in crevices of the tree. 

Not only is the larva devoured but the chrysalis likewise, and with- 
out doubt often the mature moth. It was indeed very hard work to 
find any larve or pups of Carpocapsa upon trees where the larvee of 
Raphidia were present, and the latter occurred upon nearly every tree. 
As arule, not more two or three could be found upon one tree by break- 
ing off all the loose bark and examining the crevices, and often none at 
all. These larvee are always on the lookout for food, crawling up aud 
down the trees, but being chiefly concealed by the bark. Away from 
the trunk of the tree, however, more larve are found. An old and partly 
decayed stump or piece of wood lying anywhere near an infested tree will 
always be full of them; and, as has before been pointed out, many of 
the larvie of the first brood, at least, spin up in the dry ground. I will 
again refer to the Dermestid larve mentioned before, not only as de- 
stroying the pupa of Carpocapsa but likewise the larva, during the 
summer season at least. Many apparently sound cocoons when cut 
open will be shown to contain larve and skins of some of these beetles. 
The contents have been devoured while there is no visible hole in the 
cocoon, showing that the larva had entered while young. This alone 
would not be sufficient evidence, but I have also found small larvee of 
Trogoderma tarsale within the cocoons, and with the larve, dead and 
living, of Carpocapsa. 

In two instances the half dead Carpocapsa larvee showed small holes 
in their sides which had partly healed up. These no doubt were made , 
by the Dermestid larvie, which as a rule feed upon dry insect remains, 
and only kill living larvie gradually by feeding upon the skin only at 
first. In many cases they were found with larve that had recently 
died, having already undergone several molts within the cocoons of the 
last larvee. They are very abundant, especially around Alameda, as 
many as four or five large larvee being often found within the cocoon and 
feeding upon the dead pupa of Leucarctia acrewa. In almost any old 
egg-mass of Orgy.ia they are found. Whether they will feed upon the 
eggs or not I have as yet no evidence. Insect collections are not as 
much troubled by these beetles in California, especially in the valleys, 
as in the Eastern States. I have often observed them, however, to in- 
fest collections in the mountainous districts. A coleopterous (Clerid ”) 
larva was recently found in the Sonoma Valley feeding upon Carpo- 
capsa, but has not yet been bred. Numerous Carabid beetles were 
always found at the base of trees awaiting their chance to get a bite at 
the Carpocapsa larve. The most numerous of these were Pterostichus 
californicus Dej. and Calathus ruficollis Dej. A bright light with a 
white sheet below and behind was kept burning near the orchard in the 
Santa Cruz Mountains while the moths were abundant. One female 


Jd 


only was caught in this about one hour after dusk. Never before dur- 
ing my fourteen years of collecting moths with lights, sweeps, ete., 
have I, within my memory, collected a single Carpocapsa. 


THE HESSIAN FLY. 
(Cecidomyia destructor.) 


This insect has been quite abundant and destructive to grain in the 
central part of the State during the season. A Mt. Kden correspond- 
ent wrote to the Oakland Engineer, May 2, as follows: 

The Hessian fly has done irreparable damage to the grain in this vicinity. There 
has been hardly a field that has not been attacked. The prospect for a large barley 
crop is very good. The wheat crop will be a comparative failure. What is left from 
the Hessian fly is being destroyed by the rust. 

Personally, until this spring, I have had no opportunity of making 
any observations upon this insect. On May 26, while in the Santa 
Cruz Mountains, it was noticed that some of the barley had fallen 
to the ground. On examination, puparia of the Hessian fly were found 
in places where thestraw was fallen. The insect was found at the time 
in all stages from young larvze to puparia, and some of the latter had re- 
cently hatched. From puparia collected at the time, flies made their 
appearance until the beginning of July. Other puparia coilected 
about July 1 have not hatched up to date, and the insects are still in 
the larval state within the puparia. A few specimens of parasites 
(Merisus destructor) were bred from these, and from the same straws 
several specimens of an Jsosoma. 

During September, 1887, I found puparia, which I took to be those of 
the Hessian fly, on two species of grasses near here. These were for- 
warded to Washington, where they arrived in good condition, as stated 
in letter of October 3d, and the grasses were determined as Hlymus 
americanus and Agrostis sp. Again during the summer I found the 
puparia upon several species of grasses in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 
I shall be prepared next season to give a list of grasses upon which the 
Hessian fly is found, and also more accurate notes as to the habits of 
this insect, which, as it would appear, is a very old resident of this coast. 


JOINT-WORMS. 
(Isosoma sp.) 


These insects have been abundant and destructive in most wheat- 
growing sections, and they will continue to be numerous until stricter 
measures are employed for burning the straw and stubble. 


LOCUSTS. 


These did not appear in any large numbers except in the northern 
part of the State and, from some accounts, in Oregon. On my visit to 
Shasta Valley, Siskiyou County, at the end of July, locusts were no- 


94 


ticed in large numbers north of Edgewood and throughout that valley. 
At Montague I was informed that, on account of the unusually dry sea- 
son and the crickets and grasshoppers, the crop had been an entire 
failure in that district. Around this latter place no vegetation except 
a few sage-bushes were visible. Along the creeks, where a little grass 
and vegetation was still growing, the locusts were swarming. Dissos- 
teira obliterata Thos. was abundant throughout the valley. Even in 
places where for a half a mile not a shrub or any dry plant was visible 
they appeared to be happy, but were seen abundantly along water- 
courses and places still affording some food. Melanoplus cinereus Seudd. 
was more numerously represented in places where food was still to be 
had, even if dry. But few specimems of M. femur-rubrum DeGeer 
were seen, while M. packardii Scudd. was the most abundant of all, 
feeding upon grasses along streams, and in all the meadows, where it 
outnumbers ail the other species put together. Here they were often 
observed, always the female, caught in the web of a largespider, which 
* feeds upon them. 

M. devastator Scudd. was not met with throughout the summer, while 
Camnula pellucida Scudd. was only seen occasionally in the places vis- 
ited. Another numerous species in the Shasta Valley was Hesperotettix 
pacificus Bruner, but this was found feeding upon sage-bushes only. 
About eight other species of locusts were found at Montague, of which 
Dissosteira carolina Linn., Trimerotropis fallax Sauss., Conozora wal- 
lula Scudd., and Stenobothrus coloradus Thos., were the most abundant. 
Two species of large crickets have been very numerous at Montague 
also joining in the destructive work—Anabrus simplex (?) Hald., and the 
other a species of Steirovis. The common cricket, Gryllus luctuosus 
Serv., was abundant in the central part of the State, often coming in 
large numbers into cities and into houses. 


REPORT ON NEBRASKA INSECTS. 


By LAWRENCE BRUNER, Special Agent. 


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 


LINCOLN, NEBR., Nor. 20, 1889. 

Sir: In presenting a report on the insect injuries in Nebraska for the past spring 
aud summer, if isnot my intention to mention all the species that have been observed 
in the act of depredating. Neither do I expect to enter upon a discussion of their 
life histories. To do this would require altogether too much time and occupy con- 
siderable more space than could be allotted to such insects as have been repeatedly 
described in your various reports upon injurious insects. Suffice 1t, then, for me to 
mention briefly a few of the species that most attracted my attention, either by their 
appearance in unusual numbers, their more than ordinary injuries, or by their pecul- 
iar mode of attack. 

During the year most of the well-known species that are always present in more or 
less injurious numbers, were noticed at their regular seasons of appearance. These 
were, of course, expected; and, unless either very numerous or scarce, were but little 
noticed. Aside from these, few new or original observations were made during the 
active season; but several new enemies were observed to act in connection with old 
and well-known forms. 

Since my last report, some time has been devoted to the Acridide@ of North America, 
in the continuance of our work upon that family of the order Orthoptera. The latter 
work was chiefly in the line of looking up the matter of distribution, the character- 
izing of new material, and the massing of such additional species as could conven- 
iently be obtained without expense to the Department. Some little was also done in 
this connection in the study of several minor locust outbreaks in different parts of 
the country, as, for example, in Utah, Minnesota, and the White Mountain district of 
the New England States. Of these different outbreaks you already have been ad- 
vised; Mr. Otto Lugger, of the Minnesota Experiment Station, reporting on that of 
his State; Mr. C. L. Marlatt, that of New Hampshire, and myself upon that of Utah. 

LAWRENCE BRUNER. 

Prof C2 Ve RILEY, 

U. S. Entomologist. 


FALSE CHINCH BUGS. 


Karly in the year, during the month of May, two or threespecies of small 
hemipterous insects began to gather upon several farms just outside 
the city limits of Lincoln. These appeared in much larger numbers 
than is usual for the insects under consideration ; and from their size, 

99 


96 


order, and general appearance were mistaken for the chinch-bug (Miecro- 
pus leucopterus) by many of the residents. This mistaken identity in 
the case of thesé insects was the occasion for much apprehension, as it 
well might have been had that insect put in its appearance in such 
great numbers so early in the year. These “false chinch-bugs,” for 
such they were, began work by attacking the weeds and everything 
else that was green growing in the fields which were infested. The 
weeds soon disappeared and the insects transferred their attention 
to apple, catalpa, mulberry, and other small trees. But by far the great- 
est injury was done to grape-vines. They were all small, and were kept 
divested of every vestige of new growth for a time, and looked as if 
the vines never would be green. 

The three insects which united in these demonstrations were the fol- 
lowing: the False Chinch-bug (Nysius angustatus), the Purslane bug 
(Geocoris bullata), and a species that is quite common here in the West 
among various rank-growing herbs and weed-like plants, and is known 
to the entomologist as’ Trapezonotus nebulosus. 

The first named of these was by far the most numerous, and if work- 
ing singly would have occasioned nearly the same amount of damage 
as did the three. The second and the last named were present in 
nearly equal numbers, perhaps the last being the commoner of the two. 
All three species gathered upon the main stems and larger branches of 
the trees and even in clusters upon the scattered remnants of the last 
year’s vegetation. They were pretty well scattered over the fields, but 
appeared to be most numerous upon some hill-slopes where they had 
been attracted during early spring and late fall by the warm sunshine. 
These clusters of bugs were composed of individuals of all ages and 
sizes, ranging from those apparently but a few days old to those fully 
matured and winged. An investigation soon disclosed the reason for 
their abundance in this particular locality. Last year these fields had 
been permitted to grow up in weeds after the spring cultivation. These 
weeds, purslane, tickle-grass, stink-grass, and tumble-weeds, made a 
splendid retreat for the bugs to gather, feed, and breed in, and afterwards 
to winterin. The present spring being dry weeds and grasses were slow 
in starting. Not so with the bugs. Eggs were laid at the usual time, 
these hatched and the little bugs soon exhausted what green vegeta- 
tion there was for them to feed upon, and which was very slow in ap- 
pearing on account of lack of the necessary amount of moisture. The 
trees and vines being deeper rooted sent out their buds and green leaves. 
These attracted the hungry hordes of bugs, and were at once attacked 
in bud, leaf, and stem, the bugs inserting their beaks and extracting 
the sap. The consequence was the injury spoken of above. 

As a remedy against the destruction of the grape-vines I suggested 
covering the vines, which were small ones, with dirt fora week or ten 
days until weeds had an opportunity to grow, after which time there 
would no longer be danger, andas a preventive for the future to keep 
down the weeds in late summer, especially when the season is a dry one. 


4 


97 


In habit these three bugs resemble the Chinch Bug to a considerable 
degree, only that they are earlier in their egg-laying, and that their 
food-plants are weeds and other herbaceous plants, rather than grasses. 
They also move about on the wing in a similar manner to that of the 
Micropus leucopterus. Last spring, on one day in particular, the air was 
full of these and other small hemipterous insects. At just what date 
this flight occurred I do not remember now, but know it was during the 
month of May. 

The three species referred to above in connection with the injuries 
recorded, all oceur upon ground that has been neglected and allowed 
to.grow up to purslane and Amaranthus. The two latter named are 
also occasionally found about smart-weed (Polygonum) during late 
summer and fall, while the first mentioned is also inclined to be par- 
tial to “stink” grass at times. 


CUT-WORMS. 


Scarcely a year passes without a report of damages from cut-worms 
in various parts of the country. Here in Nebraska quite a large num- 
ber of the night-flying moths belonging to the genera Agrotis, Hadena, 
Mamestra, ete., are often the cause of much worry and not infrequently 
the loss of much time and money to the farmer and gardener. 

At about the same time that the bugs mentioned above were the most 
plentiful and doing their injury to trees, vines, etc., the reports of cut- 
worm depredations began coming in to the station from various districts 
within and without the city limits. These reports included injuries to 
both garden and field crops, and from the fact that they were received 
from widely separated localities, the pest was quite general over the 
eastern part of the State. Specimens of at least a half dozen distinct 
species of the worms were received by me, along with the statement 
that they were the authors of the injury. Among these I recognized 
Agrotis annexa, A. suffusa, A. messoria, A. saucia, and A. clandestina. 

So abundant were several species of these worms that they literally 
cultivated the ground at places where they burrowed during day: 
time. Nor did the worms content themselves with feeding upon culti- 
vated plants alone, but also, in many instances, kept down the weeds. 
Here in the city of Lincoln, upon a vacant square that had been used 
by the boysas a base-ball ground, and where the ordinary “ pepper-grass” 
was growing in profusion, the Agrotis anneva finally succeeded in clear- 
ing the ground of this weed. So voracious did the worms become be- 
fore maturity that the pepper-grass was even cut off and the stems 
drawn into their retreats in the ground, where they might be devoured 
during day-time. On cloudy days the worms even ventured forth 
to feed openly by daylight, scurrying back into their holes when the sun 
came out fora moment. In the hard trampled ground their holes were 
smooth-cut and presented a very interesting sight indeed when the occu- 
pants issued forth and quickly returned upon the least disturbance, like 

23479—No, 22 7 


98 


some animal of greater intelligence. The larva of this particular spe- 
cies of Agrotis is exceedingly active, reminding one not a little of some 
of the chipmunks among the rodents. 

A second species that much interested meis the larva of an Agrotis sp. 
that was exceedingly numerous upon the college farm and adjoining tracts 
to the eastward of the city. This latter worm worked on various plants 
in the garden, but on the farm showed decided taste for clover. Here 
it literally “lived in clover” in large numbers. - The different kinds of 
clover growing in the experimental plats suffered much. It was here 
that one of the instances above cited of cut-worms cultivating the soil 
occurred. ; 

The remedies used against these different cut-worms varied somewhat 
in their character; but they were chiefly hand picked orcrushed. Many 
of the worms also perished from the attacks of predaceous beetles either 
in the larval or imago stages, and of parasites of one or another sort. 
A few of them also from diseases that resulted from the presence of 
fungi or bacteria. The parasitized worms were the result of the eggs 
laid by Tachina flies in most cases. The A. anneva larve suffered most 
in this respect, on account of their habit of coming out to feed during 
the day-time. 

ARMY-WORM. 


As the State grows older in its settlement the reports of Army-worm 
depredations become more frequent year by year. Last year Lreported 
the appearance and damage by this insect in the extreme northwestern 
part of Nebraska, as well as in portions of southwestern Dakota. 
During the present year several localities in northeastern Nebraska 
were overrun to a limited extent by the larve of Leucania unipuncta, 
None of these areas infested were of very great extent, nor was the 
injury committed complete in any of the cases coming to my notice. 
Millet and oat fields were the chief sufferers. 

A small black fly was bred from larvie received from Mr. J. M. Sey- 
more, of Pender, Thurston County. This fly has frequently been ob- 
served by me at various points in northern Nebraska, where I have 
taken it in my net when sweeping for other insects on the prairie. It 
must be a regular enemy of Leucania unipuncta, and perhaps also of 
other allied species, since it is by no means an uncommon insect every 
year. Others of the flesh-flies (Tachinide) also act as guards against 
this insect’s rapid increase, as can readily be seen from the fact that 
many of the larvee taken have the eggs of these flies attached to their 
bodies. 

Visiting again this year the region last year reported to you as hav- 
ing the insect present in injurious numbers I was pleased to find that 
the Leucania had not appeared in numbers sufficiently great to attract 
the attention of those persons who lost crops by their depredations last 
year. In fact I am pretty confident in asserting that there are no 
grounds for fearing this insect next year, in the State of Nebraska at 
least. 


99 
THE GREEN-LINED MAPLE-WORM. 


For the third time, now, many of our soft-maple trees in the city of 
Lincoln have been entirely defoliated by the larvee of Anisota rubicunda, 
This insect has been steadily increasing for the past three years, and 
if it does not‘soon die off by some epidemic disease or is killed by para- 
sites the growing of this tree will be very difficult. This state of 
affairs is due entirely to the negligence of our citizens in general, who, it 
appears, can not be induced to spend the little time necessary for the 
destruction of insect pests that attack their shade trees, garden and 
farm produce, and flowering plants. The entomologist can not kill all 
the insects, good and bad, in the country; neither are his words of 
advice heeded in the least when he tells how each insect enemy is to be 
gotten rid of by means of the least labor and expense to those who 
should be most interested. 


THE BLUE-GRASS WEEVIL. 


For the past two years Sphenophorus parvulus Gyll. has been in- 
creasing quite rapidly in numbers, so that now it has come to be one of 
our commonest beetles in the city of Lincoln, at least, if not elsewhere. 
From the fact of its frequenting sidewalks, or being concealed under 
boards, sticks, and stones that were left lying about on the University 
campus, and on lawns elsewhere in the city, I began an investigation as 
to its probable breeding place. This study has led to the discovery of 
its feeding upon the roots of the common blue-grass (Poa pratensis). 
So plentiful has the insect become in some lawns that the sod has been 
entirely killed over large patches. 

The larva is a short, thick, whitish grub, like those of other species 
of the genus, and measures from 4 to 5 millimeters in length when fully 
matured. The beetles appear twice a year, 7. ¢.,in the spring and early 
fall, the insect probably being double-brooded. Some of the beetles 
may come out in fall, while the remainder may lie over winter as pupe. 
The fully matured larve were found early in June, while others were 
observed last October. Damp and well-watered lawns appear to be in- 
fested fully as badly, if not worse, that those that are dryer, although 
they do not show the injury nearly so quickly in the former as in the 
latter case. 

While looking for larve during the latter part of last May, numerous 
specimens of a small white ‘“ hair-worm” Mermis or Gordius, or some 
allied genus, were found scattered through the soil. These were only 
obtained at very damp places under trees on the University campus, 
and as a rule were tightly coiled. Whether these would have or had 
been in any way connected with the Sphenophorus larve, I do not know, 
as I am not sufficiently well acquainted with these forms nor with their 
life-histories. Various ground-beetles (Carabide) and their larve cer- 
tainly do devour the larvze of Sphenophorus, since the former were also 
quite common in the localities where the latter abounded. No experi- 


100 


ments were carried on with a view to finding a remedy against the in- 
juries of this weevil. 
THE CORN ROOT-WORM. 


(Diabrotica longicornis.) 


This insect is becoming alarmingly common in the counties of eastern 
Nebraska and those of western Iowa; and, judging from the general 
food habits which the imago appears to be developing, it may soon be- 
come a much more dangerous pest than we at presentimagine. During 
the past summer and fall the beetle has been almost omnipresent, so 
common was it in the vicinity of Lincoln. It was found upon a large 
variety of plants belonging to different orders. It was beaten from 
trees such as maple, box-elder, elm, ash, willow, cotton-wood, and oak. 
I found it rather common among the grasses and obtained it in plenty 
in gardens where it was feeding upon the leaves of radishes and 
turnips, in several instances completely riddling these latter with holes. 
As late as September 28, the beetle was still quite active during day- 
time, aud quickly took to flight upon being disturbed. In August it 
was observed to be nocturnal in its movements, as was to be seen by 
the large numbers of the beetles that were attracted to and gathered 
about the electric lights. On the morning of the 15th, 260 specimens 
of the beetle were taken from the globe of a single are light that hangs 
in front of University Hall upon the campus of the State University. 
These had all been attracted to and caught in the globe in a single 
night. Whether or not these came from the farms in the surrounding 
country I can not say. Might not the species work in the roots (for 
the larva is a root-borer) of some other plant or plants beside corn? 
At any rate it is my present intention to look into the life-history of the 
Corn Root-worm a little more closely during next season. It is getting 
to be by far too common an insect in these parts for us to be running 
chances in dealing with it. Rotation of crops may or may not always 
prove to be a remedy against its depredations. 


INSECTS DETRIMENTAL TO THE GROWTH OF YOUNG TREES ON “ TREE 
CLAIMS” IN NEBRASKA AND OTHER PORTIONS OF THE WEST. 


For several years now I have been interested in the study of the insect 
pests that render the growing of young trees upon claims entered under 
the “timber-culture act” quite a difficult and tedious matter. This 
interest in the subject had its origin partly in personal experience and 
partly from the numerous complaints of others who have experienced 
great difficulty in securing a sufficient growth in their young timber 
within the limitations for making final proof. Not infrequently has it 
been the misfortune for those striving to gain titles to Government lands 
under this act to have their trees completely defoliated for several 
years in succession. Nor have these injuries been confined to any single 
kind of tree, Since commencing the study of the subject I have either 


101 


seen or heard of all of the following species suffering alike from this 
cause: Ash, Box Elder, Soft Maple, Cottonwood, and Willow. The 
honey locust, too, has been subject to defoliation by insect enemies when 
growing as hedges upon the uplands of the semi-arid regions west of 
the 97th meridian. Some of these trees thus attacked were killed out- 
right, while others were set back a year or more by each defoliation. 

Several different lines of investigation have been followed in the 
study of this subject, viz, the comparative freedom from insect attack 
of the various kinds of trees; the influence of topography upon the 
growth of each kind of tree, as well as upon the increase and develop- 
ment of the insect life thriving upon the tree; also the comparative 
abundance or absence of birds and parasitic insects in the different 
regions, and what relation these bear to insect depredations. Of course, 
when fully carried out in the several lines indicated above, the investi- 
gation of such a subject can not fail to be quite extensive and result in 
some good to the parties most concerned. For the present paper, how- 
ever, only a few of the most important of these insect enemies will be 
mentioned, and then only cursorily. Of these there are about thirty 
species belonging to the orders Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, 
Orthoptera, and Hemiptera. Most of these insects that I wish to call 
attention to are quite general in their distribution, and therefore as 
well known to you as they are to those living in the “ tree-claim” 
region. My report will then simply consist of a statement as to their 
abundance, distribution, and the amount of injury done by each species. 
To do this the following table will best express my wishes and at the 
same time be least cumbersome. All of the species therein mentioned 
have been either observed by myself or were reported by others as 
occurring in injurious numbers during different seasons upon tree- 
claims located in Nebraska, Kansas, and Dakota. 


Insect. Tree. Insect. Tree. 
HYMENOPTERA. | Cressonia juglandis A. & | Walnut. 
se 
Cimbex americana Leach .| Willows. Clisiocampa americana | Most kinds. 
Monophadnus barda Say --| Ash. Harr. 
Clisiocampa sylvatica Do. 
COLEOPTERA. Harr. 
Datana angusii G. & R.| Black Walnut. 
Lina seripta Fab........-. Willow and Cotton- || Anisota rubicunda Fab -.| Soft Maple. 
wood. | Hyphantria cunea Drury) All kinds. 
Chrysomela sp ..---------. Do. | Apatela populi Riley..--. On Cottonwood. 
Disonycha pennsylwanica | Willow. : DORE cost seen Willow. 
Ill. 1p cenacosasecboocee Maple, Box Elder. 
Chrysobothris femorata | Box Elder and Maple. || Tortricid (——-) ...-...-- Honey Locust, 
Fab. I SDRUNG sone scissile asim Ash. 
Lachnosterna(several spe- | All kinds. DOpet ses ceiteces oe ee Elm. 
cies). | Tortricid (———) ...------ Boring twigs of Hack- 
Epicauta cinerea Forst..-.| Honey Locust, Coffee berry, Box Elder. 
Bean. ORTHOPTERA. 
LEPIDOPTERA. : 
| @eanthus niveus Serv .-.| Stems of various trees, 
Papilio turnus Linn ...... Ash. | Ueanthus latipennis Ri- | Stems not so common. 
Vanessa antiopa Linn ....| Willow, Elm. ley. 
Platysamia eecropia Linn | Maple, Willow, Box || Melanoplus spretus Thos 
Elder, ete. | Melanoplus femur-rub- | Foliage of all when 
Telea polyphemus Cramer | Maple, Elm, Box El- rum DeGeer. numerous. 
der, ete. Melanoplus differentialis 
Triptogon modesta A. & S. | Willow, Cottonwood. Thos. 


102 


Almost all of the above named insects are sufficiently numerous at 
times, when working alone, to kill or at least to greatly retard the 
growth of the tree or trees upon which they feed. Of course, they do 
not all occur at once in any given locality in such overwhelming num- 
bers, nor are the injuries the same every year; but quite frequently 
two or more of the species are found feeding in company upon the same 
tree in numbers sufficiently greatto do harm. In addition to the species 
named above there are a great many others that are also known to at- 
tack and injure the trees growing upon tree-claims; but these latter 
have not yet made their presence so strongly felt as to force us to place 
them on the list of insect pests in connection with tree-claim culture. 
For a description and life history of many of these the reader is referred 
to Bulletin No. 7 of the United States Entomological Commission, en- 
titled ‘ Insects Injurious to Forest and Shade Trees.” 

Causes for these Insect Injuries.—There is a cause for everything, so 
in the present instance we must look for one or a combination of causes 
that work together in producing the undue increase of insect life upon 
the prairies when new varieties of plants are introduced. A very 
superficial survey of the ground will quickly reveal tous some of these 
causes. 

In the first place, there are always a few dwarfed trees of most of the 
kinds that are usually planted upon claims. These trees are scattered 
along the water courses, in ravines and gulches, and afew other localities 
that are protected from the fires which have annually swept over the 
broad prairies for generations. These few trees furnish food for small 
colonies of the various species of insects that we have named. There 
are always enough of them to very quickly stock aclaim close by upon 
which small trees are planted that are to their taste. Then, too, all of 
these injurious insects are of a hardy nature, used to a precarious life, 
and are strong fliers capable of making comparatively long journeys in 
search of food for themselves and their progeny. They are, in fact, the 
nomads of the insect world, capable of withstanding the vicissitudes 
belonging to a life upon the vast prairies where the more delicate para- 
sitic forms could not live or even find shelter. Then, too, their 
requirements for quarters in which to pass the long, cold winter months 
are less complex than are those of the species that come later on. 

In the second place, the country being destitute of groves of timber 
among the branches of which insectivorous birds can find shelter and 
build their nests most of these insect destroyers are absent. Of course, 
the absence of so great a factor as are these birds in the ridding a 
country of its insect pests soon becomes apparent in the increase of the 
latter and of the accompanying injury done by them. The absence of 
groves, too, not only keeps away the feathered tribe, but also prevents 
many of the more delicate parasitic and a large number of the preda- 
ceous insects from becoming established in the region. The majority 
of these latter forms of insects, as before stated, are such as require 


ptii—: ni 


103 


sheltered retreats in which to lurk or to get away from the hot dry sum- 
mers and the long cold winters. 

In the third place, the comparative aridity of the region where these 
claims are located renders the growth of them somewhat slower than 
where the precipitation is more bountiful. This slowness of growth, 
while it is an advantage in one respect, aids the insect foes to a con- 
derable extent in their work of destruction. A rank and rapid growth 
places a tree out of danger from external enemies much more quickly 
than will aslow growth. At the same time in rank growth a much 
greater amount of food is furnished for the same number of insects, 
and as a consequence less injury to the tree results than would were 
the growth slower. 

A fourth cause for the rapid increase among these different insects 
in new regions is the absence of such fungoid diseases as are known to 
attack and kill various of these pests. After awhile, however, the 
germs of these diseases become diffused through the soil, vegetable 
débris, and about the encumbering growths, buildings, etc. These 
germs are carried around by the elements and other agencies, and in 
time some of them find lodgment within the bodies of such insects as 
are susceptible to their growth. The result is disease and death. 

Comparative Freedom of different Trees fromthe Attacks of Insect Pests.— 
Up to the present writing I have not sufficiently investigated this por- 
tion of the subject to be entirely positive in my assertions as to the 
kind or kinds of trees most nearly exempt from the attacks of insect 
foes in different regions. None of them are entirely free; but that there 
are trees which suffer less than others in this respect is a well-known 
fact, and can be seen at any time where several kinds are growing side 
by side or in the same grove. Again, a particular kind of tree might 
be troubled in a given locality, while in another it would be compara- 
tively free. Some trees also suffer while small, and others are usually 
injured after they have gained considerable growth and age. These 
variations with regard to insect attacks among different trees, and of 
the same kind at different ages, are governed by laws the explanation 
of which would require much more time and space than I have at my 
command. By looking over the list of insects mentioned above it will 
be seen that no reference is made of any species injuring either the 
Catalpa or Russian Mulberry. The Ash is affected by three, each of 
which at times strips it of foliage while young; the Box Elder by two 
or three; the Willow by a dozen or more; the Cottonwood by four or 
five; the Soft-Maple by several; the Elm a couple; the Honey Locust 
two, ete. 

In treating this subject only such insects have been mentioned as 
have been ascertained to attack the various trees during their first few 
years of growth, and before they have attained any great size. Other 
species of insects injure these trees later on; but, asa rule, these latter 


104 


are less destructive to them save in a few instances. Only a very few 
borers work in healthy young trees in this region. 

Remedies tried and suggested.—Only a few remedies have been gener- 
ally tried against these pests in the region of tree claims, and most of 
these were confined to the various methods of ‘“hand-picking” and 
crushing. Spraying and dusting with poisons and kerosene emulsions, 
or the use of road dust, ashes, air-slaked lime, ete., have been reported 
only ina very few instances. Any or all of these methods of warfare when 
properly carried on and used intelligently, in accordance with the habits 
of the insect that is being fought, will repay one for the time thus 
spent. 


LOCUSTS OR GRASSHOPPERS. 


Aside from several local outbreaks there has been no special damage 
done during the year by locusts within the United States. Of course, 
you are already acquainted with the particulars in connection with the 
local injuries, of which the chief are the following: The Rocky Mount- 
ain or migratory species at Nephi City, Utah; the same in Otter Tail 
County, Minnesota; and the lesser and red-thighed species in the mount- 
ain districts of the New England States. The Utah outbreak was 
partly investigated by me at the time (May) of its occurrence, through 
correspondence with the Hon. James B. Darton, of Nephi City. That 
gentleman supplied me with specimens at different times from which the 
insects under consideration were determined. The conclusions at which 
1 then arrived were reported to Mr. Howard in your absence. If I 
remember rightly, both the Rocky Mountain (Melanoplus spretus) and 
the California locust (Camnula pellucida) were found among the material 
received from Mr. Darton. The Otter Tail outbreak has been very care- 
fully written up by Mr. Otto Lugger, of the Minnesota Experiment Sta- 
tion; while Mr.C. L. Marlatt, of the Entomological Division, has reported 
on the New England outbreak. 

While it is not my intention to devote much time to the subject of 
locust abundance and injuries, I do wish to say a few words concerning 
the fungoid disease known as Entomophthora caloptent of Bessey. Dur- 
ing the present summer this disease has been unusually abundant in 
and around the city of Lincoln, Nebr. Several species o1 our native 
locusts were attacked by it; but the large yellow one, known as the 
Melanoplus differentialis Thomas, was destroyed by the thousands. 
Whether the fungus in question was more plentiful than usual, and 
did its work of extermination more effectually than during previous 
summers; or, whether it was on account of my being surrounded by a 
number of students in botany, and located next door to the botanical 
laboratory, that attracted my attention to these, 1 do not know. The 
impression is, however, that the former is the true explanation. On 
the University campus alone, where differentialis hatehed quite plen- 
tifully and began doing considerable injury to various small trees and 


105 


shrubs, there must have been several thousands of the hoppers destroyed 
by the disease. Soon after the locusts became fledged some of them 
were observed to die after first showing signs of disease. After the 
disease first became apparent among the locusts, it spread, or at least 
appeared in other portions of the city, the number of dead and dying 
locusts increasing daily. So fatal did the disease finally become upon 
the University campus that but few of the differentialis escaped to 
deposit eggs. I know that three or four of the botanical students each 
collected the dead locusts by the-chalk-box full to use as specimens in 
their line of work, and for exchange, while I gathered many of them 
myself. During the latter half of August, and early in September, at 
almost any time one might have secured from fifty to a hundred or 
more specimens of the dead locusts in a few moments, by simply going 
outside of the science hall a few yards. 

So rapid was the final action of the Hntomophthora (or Empusa, as it 
has more recently been called) that not infrequently the locusts were 
found still in copulation, one or the other of the sex being dead. When 
they were found in this condition, the female, though not always, was 
the first to succumb. This would not, however, prove anything as to 
the comparative fatality of the disease as far as the different sexes are 
concerned. There are other matters to be taken into consideration be- 
fore we can come to a definite solution of comparative immunity from 
attacks upon the different sexes of an insect by a disease like the present. 

Just how long a time is required for the full development of the 
fungus after an insect is first attacked I am not prepared to state; 
neither can I give an account of the various stages through which the 
fungus passes during this development from the original spore to the 
stage where such spores are reproduced. Nor am f posted as to all 
symptoms present during the different stages of the disease occasioned 
by the fungus within the tissues of a living locust. All that I know 
is, that shortly before death the stricken hopper climbs up some stick, 
weed, or blade of grass, to which it clings frantically with its anterior 
and middle pairs of legs. When found dead these always have their 
head uppermost. 

Whether or not invariably fatal I can not say; and imagine that to 
ascertain this would be noeasy task. Iam also quite ignorant in refer- 
ence to its capability of being artificially spread, since I have had no 
opportunity to experiment in that direction. Besides, the disease does 
not appear to be common to all species of locusts alike; or if it is, we 
do not know it. The subject will bear a much more careful study than 
has thus far been devoted to it. From an economic standpoint there is 
still a great deul to be learned concerning insect-attacking fungi, as a 
few recent experiments in this line clearly demonstrate. 

Before leaving the subject of this locust-destroying fungus I wish to 
add the following notes, prepared for the present paper at my request 


106 
by Prof. C. E. Bessey. They will show the most recent views of bota- 
nists as to the systematic position of the plant in question : 


Entomophthora calopteni Bessey.—The original description of this species appeared 
inthe American Naturalist for December, 1883 (page 1280). Itis reproduced here 
verbatim: 

““T. Empusa stage, not seen. 

“II. Tarichium stage : Oospores globular, or from pressure somewhat irregular in 
outline, colorless, 36 to 39. in diameter; walls thick (4.), colorless, smooth ; pro- 
toplasm granular, after as if composed of many small cells, often with a large round 
vacuole. Occurring as a clay-colored mass {n the body cavity and femora of Calop- 
tenus differentialis. 

“Ames, Iowa, August and September, 1883.” 

Specimens of this fungus collected in Wisconsin by Trelease and Seymour were 
distributed under the name given above by Ellis and Everhart in North American 
Fungi, No.1801. In April, 1888, Mr. Roland Thaxter published, in the Memoirs of 
the Boston Society of Natural History, an important paper on The Entomophthorx 
of the United States, in which he revises the species of the group, and adopts the 
older generic name Lmpusa, first proposed by Cohn in 1855, in preferenceto Ento- 
mophthora proposed by Fresenius in 1856. Moreover, Mr. Thaxter concludes that the 
fungus described above is identical with one described as Entomophthora grylli, by 
Fresenius, in 1856. Specimens of this species were distributed in 1885 by Dr. Farlow, 
in Ellis’ North American Fungi, No. 1401. Our species thus appeared in Mr. Thaxter’s 
paper under the name of Hmpusa grylli (Fres.) Nowakowski. 


——— ss 


Mgeria tipuliformis, 86. 

JEsculus californicus, 89. 

Agallia flaccida, 29. 
4-punctata, 28. 
sanguinolenta, 29. 

Agriotes mancus, 51. 

Agrostis, 93. 

Agrotis annexa, 97. 
clandestina, 89, 97. 
cochranii, 88. 
crenulata, life-history of, 89. 
herilis, 43. 
messoria, 88, 97. 
saucia, 82, 97. 
suffusa, 97. 

Atlotria tritici, 71. 

Allygus irroratus, 30. 

Amaranthus, 97. 

Anabrus simplex, 94. 

Andropogon divisitiflorus, 59. 

Anisopteryx vernata, 74. 

Anisota rubicunda, 99, 101. 

Anowala varians, 51. 

Anthrax parasitic on Agrotis herilis, 44. 

Aonidia aurantii, 7. 

Apatela populi, 101. 

Aphidius avenaphis, 71. 

Aphids, abundance in Missouri, 70. 
found on wheat, 70. 

Aphis avene, 74. 

mali, 70. 

persice, 80. 

n. sp. on roots of wheat, 70. 
Apple, 75, 79, 86, 88, 90, 96. 
Arbutus menziesii, 85. 

Army Worm in lowa, 20. 

Indiana, 45. 
Nebraska, 98. 
parasites of, 46, 98. 

the fall. 46. 

Arsenic, experiments with, 80. 

Arundinaria tecta, 59. 

Ash, 100, 101. 

Aspidiotus aurantii, 7, 10, 14, 17. 

Aster, 82. 

Barley, 57, 93. 

Bassus sycophanta, 71. 

Bats capturing Codling moths, 91. 

Beans, 52, 82. 

Bean's Eureka insecticide, 17. 

Beet, 76. 


Bessey, Prof. C. E., description of Entomophthora 


calopteni, 106. 


INDEX. 


Bittacus near stigmaterus destroying Crambus, 
48. 
Blackberry, 74. 
Blissus leucopterus, 41, 55, 96, 97. 
Blue Grass, 19, 42, 99. 
Blue Grass Weevil in Nebraska, 99. 
Box-elder, 74, 100, 101. 
Bruner, Lawrence, Report by, 95. 
Buckeye, 89. 
Buckton, quoted, 69. 
Bythoscopus sanguinolentus, 29. 
siccifolius, 29. 
Cabbage, 52, 73. 
Butterfly, 76. 
Curculio, 73. 
Worm, 81. 
Calathus ruficollis, 92. 
California Insects, Report on, 85. 
Caloptenus femur-rubrum, 22, 44, 94, 101. 
Camnula pellucida, 94, 104. 
Canker worms in Missouri, 74. 
Carpocapsa (see Codling moth). 
Catalpa, 103. 
Ceanothus, 87. 
cordulatus, 88. 
thyrsiflorus, 88. 
Cecidomyia destructor, 93. 
Celena renigera, 82. 
Ceratochloa australis, 37. 
Ceuthorhynchus rape, 73. 
Chenopodium album, 76. 
Cherry, Wild, 87. 
Chinch Bug, 41, 96. 
Injuring grasses in Iowa, 21. 
In Indiana, 55. 
Unequal distribution in Indiana, 55. 
Influenco of rain-fall, 58. 
Fungus disease of, 60. 
Chionanthus virginica, 79. 
Chrysanthemum, 75. 
Chrysobothris femorata, 101. 
mali, 86. 
Chrysomela sp. injurious to Willow, 101. 
Chrysopa larve feeding on Phylloxera rileyi, 83. 
probably destroying Codling moth eggs, 
91. 
preying on Wheat Aphis, 71. 
Cicada coccinea, 28. 
Cicadula exitiosa, 30. 
Cimbex americana, 101. 
Cladius isomera, 78. 
Clisiocampa americana, 101. 
ca liforaica, 87. 


107 


108 


Clisiocampa constricta, 87. Elymus americanus, 93. s 
erosa, 87. Empusa grylli, 106. ; 
fragilis, 87. Encyrtus websteri, 71. 
strigosa, 87. Entomological notes from Missouri for 1889, 73. 
sylvatica, 101. Entomophthora disease of the Chinch Bug, 60. 
thoracica, 87. Entomophthora calopteni, 104, 106. 
Clover, 19, 47, 75, 82, 98. grylli, 106. { 
-seed midge in Iowa, 19. Epicauta cinerea, 101. ' 
Coccinella 9-notata, 64, 72. Epitrix cucumeris, 19. 
Codling moth in Missouri, 75. Eragrostis megastachya, 37. 
California, 89. Erax larva, probably parasitic on White Grub, 51. 
parasites of, in California, 8,90. Eriosoma? cornicola, 37, 39, 40. 
Coffee bean, 101. 2 fungicola, 37, 38, 40. 
Colorado potato beetle, experiments with, 80, 81. European Cabbage Butterfly in Missorri, 76. ) 
Conozoa wallula, 94. Eureka insecticide, experiments with, 17. 
Contopus virens, 48. / Fabricius’s original description of Aphis corni, 36. 
Coquillett, D. W., Report by, 9. Fall Army Worm, 46. : 4 
Coriscus ferus, 26. False Chinch Bugs in Nebraska, 95. 
Corn, 43, 46, 47, 48, 52, 53, 57, 100. Fertilizing salt, experiments with, 59. 
Sweet, 76. Flea-like negro-bug in Missouri, 75. 
Corn root-worm in Nebraska, 100. Fluted Seale, 9, 12. 
Cornus, 33. Four-pointea Agallia, 28. 
sanguinea, 36. Foxtails (see Setaria). 
sericea, 39. Fungus disease of Chinch Bug, 60. 
Corymelina pulicaria, 75. ° grasshoppers, 104. i 
Cosmos, 75. Gas treatment for Scale insects, 9. 
Cottonwood, 100, 101. Geocoris bullata, 96. 
Jottony Cushion Seale, 9, 12. | Gortyna nitela, 47, 75. 
Crambus exsiccatus, 18. Grain Aphis in Indiana, 64. 


Severe outbreak in 1889, 64. 
Influence of temperature and moisture, 65. 


laqueatellus, 18, 48. 
zeellus, 47, 48. 


Cressonia juglandis, 101. Cool temperature favorable to its develop. 
Crucifere injured by Phyllotreta vittata, 73- ment, 68. 
Cucumber, 76, 22. Eflicacy of parasites, 69. 
Currant, 86, 88. Notes on life-history, 69. 
Cut-worm, a new, 47. Enumeration of natural enemies, 71. 
Cut-worms in California, 88. Other species of Aphids found on wheat, 70. 
Towa, 18, 20. Grain fruits, insects injurious to, 7, 42. 
Nebraska, 97. Grape, 86, 96. 
Dactylis glomerata, 71. Grass, 19, 20, 34, 93, 100. 
Dahlia, 75. Hungarian, 41. 
Datana angusii, 101. Timothy, 45. 
winistra, 44, 45. Grasses, insects injurious to, 7, 20, 41. 
Destructive Leaf-hopper, 30. Grass-root Plant-louse, 32. 
Diabrotica 12-punctata, 19, 52, 76. Grasshoppers in Iowa, 21. 
longicornis, 100. fungus disease of, 104. 
soror, 87. Green-lined Maple. worm in Nebraska, 99. 
vittata, 19. Gryllus luctuosus, 94. 7 
Diamond soluble bone, experiment with, 48. Hackberry, 101. ; ° 
Diedrocephala coccinea, 27, 28. Hadena stipata, 47. 
mollipes, 26. Halticus pallicornis, 82. 
noveboracensis, 27. Hesperotettix pacifieus, 44. 
versuta, 27. Hessian fly in California, 93. 
Dipterous parasite of Army Worm, 98. new food-plants of, 93. 
Diabrotica soror, 87. Ileteroptera infesting grasses, 41. 
Disonycha collaris, 76. ilieroglyphie Leaf-hopper, 28. 
pennsylvanica, 101. Hippodamia convergens, 72. 
Dissosteira carolina, 94. glacialis, 72. 
obliterata, 94. parenthesis, 72. 
Dogwood Plant-louse, 20, 32. 13-punctata, 72. 
Its identity with the grass root-louse, 32. Tfoney Locust, 101. 
Doryphora 10-lineata, 80. Hopper Dozers recommended for Leaf-hoppers,25. 
Drasterius dorsalis, 52. Hungarian grass, 41. 
elegans, 52. Hurtful Leaf-hopper, 31. 
Drymeia sp. parasitic on Army Worm, 46. Hydroecyaniec gas treatment, 9. 
EJm, 74, 100. Hyphantria cunea, 101. 


109 


- Icerya purchasi, 7, 9, 12. 
Ichneumon brevicinctor, 46. 
Insects affecting grain fruits, 7, 42. 
grasses, 7, 20. 
young trees on western 
claims, 100. 
injurious in California, 85. 
Iowa, 18. 
Missouri, 73. 
Nebraska, 95. 
Insecticides, experiments with, 9, 48, 80. 
Bean's Eureka insecticide, 17. 
hydrocyanic acid gas, 9. 
London purple, 19. 
Paris green, 30. 
Petroleum emulsion, 19, 80. 
Resin soaps and compounds, 10. 
Salts, 50, 51. 
White arsenic, 80. 
Various substances, 48. 
X. O. Dust, 19, 80. 
Towa, insects injurious in, 18. 
Ischnodemus falicus, 41. 
Isocrates vulgaris, 71. 
-Isosoma sp. destructive in California, 93. 
tritici, 42. 
Jassus inimicus, 31. 
Kerosene emulsion, 19, 80. 
Koebele, Albert, Report by, 85. 
Lachnosterna larva destructive in Indiana. 48. 
injuring young trees in the West, 
101. 
Laphria tergissa destroying Varying Anomala, 51. 
Laphygma frugiperda, 46. 
Leat-hoppers affecting grass in Iowa, 21. 
Appearance and habits, 23. 
Amount and nature of damage, 22. 
Remedies, 23. 
Enumeration of species observed, 26. 
Lecanium ole, 13. 
sp. on dogwood, 34. 
Leuvania unipuncta (see Army Worm). 
Leucarctia acraa, 92. 
Lina scripta, 76, 101. 
Linden, 74. 
Locust injury in 1889, 104. 
Locusts on the Pacific coast, 93. 
London purple and Kerosene emulsion, 19. 
Long Bug, 41. 
Luperina stipata, 47. 
Lygus lineatus, 75. 
pratensis, 75. 
Madrona tree-borer, 85. 
Maple, 74, 100, 101. 
soft, 99, 101. 
Maple Worm, the Green-lined, 99. 
- Meadows and pastures, insects injurious to, 20, 48. 
Megaspilus niger, 71. 
Megilla maculata, 72. 
Megoura sp. found on rye, 71. 
“Melanoplus cinereus, 94. 
devastator, 94. 
differentialis, 101, 104. 
femur-rubrum, 22, 24, 94, 101. 
packardii, 94. 
spretus, 101, 104. 


tree 


Melaxanthus salicis, 20. 
Meromyza americana, 42. 
found on grass in lowa, 19. 
Merisus destructor, 93. 
Micropus leucopterus, 41, 55, 96, 97. 
Millet, 98. 
Miris atftinis, 41. 
Monophadnus barda, 101. 
Mulberry, 96. 
Russian, 103. 
Murtfeldt, Mary E., Report by, 73. 
Myzus sp. found on wheat, 71. 
Nasturtium, 76. 
Nebraska, insects injarious in, 95. 
Nemorza leucania, 46. 
New Rose Slug, 78. 
Life-history, 78. 
Description of larva, 78. 
New York Leaf-hopper, 27. 
Nomophila noctuella, 18. 
Nysius angustatus, 96. 
Oak, 82, 87, 88, 100, 
Oats, 52, 57, 98. 
Oecanthus latipennis, 82, 101. 
niveus, 101. 
Céstlund, O. W., quoted, 38. 
Olive, 86. 
Ophion purgatus, 46. 
Orchard grass, 71. 
trees, 74, 75. 
Osborn, Prof. Herbert, Report by, 18. 
Pachyneuron micans, 71. 
Palthis angulalis, description of larva and pupa, 
no: 
Panicum, 33, 63. 
anceps, 59. 
glabrum, 37, 38. 
prolificum, 59. 
viscidum, 59. 
Papilio turnus, 101. 
Paspalum fluitans, 59. 
leave, 59. 
Passerini, quoted, 37. 
Peach, 74, 75. 
Pear, 75, 90. 
Bartlett, 90. 
Peppergrass, 73, 97. 
Phosphate salt, experiment with, 49. 
Phyllotreta vittata, 73, 80. 
zimmermanni, 80. 
Phylloxera rileyi, notes on, for 1889, 82. 
Pieris protodice, 76. 
rapx, 76. 
Pimpla annulipes, 90. 
Pipizapulchella possibly preying on Chinch Bug, 
64, 
Plagiodera scripta, 76, 101. 
Platysamia cecropia, 101. 
Plum, 74, 86. 
Plum curculio in Missouri, 74. 
Poa pratensis, 42, 70, 99. 
Podabrus tomentosus, 72. 
Podura found on radishes, 74. 
Polycaon confertus, 85. 
Polygonum, 97. 
Populus, 76, 


110 


Post Oak, 82. 
Prunus demissa, 87. 
Pterostichus californicus, 92. 
Purslane, 97. 
Bug, 96. 

Quercus agrifolia, 87, 89. 

conomensis, 87. 

obtusiloba, 82. 
Radish, 73, 100. 
Rain-fall and temperature in Indiana, 66, 67. 


Raphidia destroying Codling Moths in Califor- 


nia, 92. 
Red-backed Leaf-hopper, 28. 
Red Scale of California, 7. 
methods of destroying, 9. 
Red osier dogwood, 37. 
Resin soaps and compounds for Scale insects, 10. 
Rhopalosiphum n. sp. found on wheat, 70. 
Rhubarb, 74. 
Rocky Mountain Locust, 101, 104. 
Rose, 78. 
Rose slug, anew, 78. 
Ryan, F. G., experiment with resin washes, 13. 
Rye, 46, 57, 70, 71. 
Sage bush, 94. 
Salts, experiment with, as insecticides, 49, 50, 51. 
Schizoneura corni, 20, 32, 33, 36. 
crategi, 19. 
panicola, 33, 38, 40. 
venusta, 37, 40. 
Scirpus atrovirens, 53. 
‘Scoliopteryx libatrix, 46. 
Selandria rose, 78, 80. 
? sp. injurious to White Fringe, 79. 
Setaria, 33, 41, 63. 
glauca, 37, 61. 
italica, 37. 
viridis, 37. 
Shade trees infested by Apbids, 74. 
Siphonophoraavene, 64, 74. 
Smart-weed, 97, 
Spherophoria cylindrica, 71. 
Sphenophorus ochreus, 52. 
parvulus, 99. 
Spinach, 76. 
Spinach beetle, 76. 
Life-habits and history, 76. 
Description of larva and pupa, 77. 
Squash, 76. 
Stalk-borer, 75. 
Steiroxis sp., 94. 
Stenobothris coloradus, 94. 
Stink-grass, 97. 
Strawberry, 75. 
Streaked Cottonwood Beetle, 76, 101. 
Swamp Sphenophorus in Indiana, 52. 
Sweet corn, 76. 
Systeechus oreas, 44. 
Tarnished Plant-bug, 75, 81. 
Telea polyphemus, 101. 
Telephorus carolinus, 72. 


Tenderfoot Leaf-hopper, 26. 
Tent caterpillars of the Pacific coast, 87. 
Tettigonia hieroglyphica, 28. 
4-vittata, 28. 
Thomas, Prof. Cyrus, quoted, 37, 38. 
Thorn-tree Aphid in Iowa, 19. 
Thrips found on blue grass, 19. 
larve feeding on Phylloxera rileyi, 83. 
Timothy grass, 45. 
Tortricid injurious to Honey Locust, 101. 
boring twigs of Hackberry and Box- 
elder, 101. 
Toxoptera n. sp. found on wheat, 70. 
Trapozonotus nebulosus, 96. 
Trees on western tree claims, insects injurious 
to, 100. 
Trichogramma pretiosa, 8. 
Trimerotropis fallax, 94. 
Trioxys sp. parasitic on Grain Aphis, 71. 
Triptogon modesta, 101. 
Trogoderma tarsale, larva feeding on Codling 
moth pupe, 92. 
Tropxolum, 76. 
Turt Web-worms in Iowa, 20. 
Turnips, 73, 100. 
Twelve-spotted Diabrotica, 52, 76. 
Tychea panici, 38. 
Uhler, Prof. P., quoted, 26. 
Uniola latifolia, 59. 
Van Duzee, E. P., quoted, 29, 30. 
Vanessa antiopa, 101. 
Varying Anomala, 51. 
Vedalia cardinalis, 8, 9, 85. 
Walsh, B. D., quoted, 37. 
Walnut, 101. 
Black, 101. 
Washes for Scale insects, 7, LU. 
Wavy-spotted Leaf-hopper, 30. 
Wavy-striped Flea-beetle, 73. 
Webster, Prof. F. M., Report by, 42. 
Weed, Clarence M., quoted, 39. 
Western Striped Cut-worms, 43. 
Interesting parasite on, 44. 
Wheat, 42, 51, 52, 57, 64, 70, 71, 93. 
Wheat stem maggot, 42. 
straw worm, 42. 
wire-worm, 51. 
White arsenic, experiments with, 80. 
White Fringe tree, 79. 
White Fringe Slug, 79. 
Description of larva, 79. 
White grubs in Indiana, 48. 
Iowa, 20. 
experiments for destroying, 48. 
Wild Cherry, 87. 
Willow, 87, 88, 100,101. 
Willow Plant-louse, 20. 
Wire-worm injuring wheat, 51. 
Wood Pewee destroying Crambus moths, 48. 
Xanthogramma emarginata, 71. 
X. O. Dust, experiments with, 19, 75, 80. 


° 


a. 


~ 


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
£ DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 


BULLETIN No. 23. 


RC Eeei@rker S 


OF 


OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 


THE PRACTICAL WORK OF THE DIVISION, 


UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 


(PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.) 


( 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 
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BuuuetTiIn No. 23. 


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OF 


OBSERVATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 


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I8g1. 


CONTENTS. 


EEITERRAOR, SUBMITTAL © jcossiccic sins siesisica cis via sninsmaiesisecessisiecscnssice es neice 
LEN DRODUCTIONIAcicc</sceamiee scene Svaictaislais\ slsisia aeteisieleys alela @ajele miele wa wiole'es slolsieisiserers 
Re RORTEON NE BRASICA UNSHOTS!.ccice'ssicm secu saialnie el sja/erenie'e Lawrence Bruner -- 
REPORT ON VARIOUS METHODS FOR DESTROYING SCALE INSECTs, D. W. Coquil- 

LGU PMP eae areca ay ofa lnla cit orain aheicfejciein win tele sie aise eibiw Sie elaieie eel Sine oielme/m nie iaiae ei slaneveatenaievers 
REPORT UPON EXPERIMENTS CHIEFLY WITH RESIN COMPOUNDS ON PHYL- 

LOXERA VASTATRIX, AND OBSERVATIONS MADE DURING THE YEAR, Albert 


LGA sabe Sooucad quceTe SO noRaNn OneoS Saeco caee Bae ree soostseieeioe seme cs 
ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FROM MISSOURI FOR THE SEASON OF 1890, Mary L. 
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REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE SEASON IN JowWa......-----Herbert Osborn.. 
REPORT ON SOME OF THE INSECTS AFFECTING CEREAL CRopPS.../. M. Webster. - 
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LETTER OF SUBMITTAL, 


DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Washington, D. C., January 3, 1891. 
Str: I have the honor to submit for publication Bulletin No. 23 of 
this Division. It comprises the reports of the field agents of the Division 
for the past year (1890), a summary of which has been included in your 
annual report. 
Respectfully, 
C. V. RILEY, 
Entomologist. 
Hon. J. M. RUSK, 
Secretary of Agriculture. 


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INTRODUCTION. 


The reports of the six permanent field agents of the Division are in- 
cluded in this bulletin. They are printed this year in full, but it should 
be understood that they are little more than summaries of the work in 
general performed by each one. Special reports upon specific subjects 
have from time to time been sent in by special direction, and these 
have been published in INSECT LIFE. 

Mr. Lawrence Bruner, who last year reported upon the insects inju- 
rious to young trees on tree claims, has the present season devoted 
much of his attention to insects affecting, or liable to affect, the Sugar 
beet, a crop of growing importance in the State in which he is located. 
Although but one season’s collecting has been done, some 64 species 
have been observed to prey upon this crop. As has been shown, nearly 
all of these can be readily kept in subjection by the use of the kero- 
sene emulsion or the arsenites. 

Mr. D. W. Coquillett’s report is mainly devoted to methods and ap- 
paratus for the destruction of scale insects by means of fumigation. 
The experiments were aimed at the Red Scale, which is one of the most 
difficult to treat with washes. He describes the simplified tents, the 
rigging which enables them to be used rapidly, and shows theadvantage - 
of excluding the actinic rays of the light. Judging from recent Cali- 
fornia newspapers the use of this method of fighting scale-insects is 
rapidly increasing and the comparatively expensive apparatus is al- 
ready owned by a large number of fruit-growers. This improved 
method is the legitimate outgrowth of experiments which we instituted 
at Los Angeles in 1887, and possesses the advantage over spraying that 
itcan hardly be-done in a slovenly manner. If used at all its effects 
are nearly complete. 

Mr. Albert Koebele, while reporting upon a number of interesting 
fruit pests, notably the Tent Caterpillars of the Pacific slope, and a 
Noctuid larva which destroys the buds of certain fruit trees, devotes 
most of his report to the description of certain tests, which I directed 
him to make with different resin compounds against the Grape Phyllox- 
era in the Sonoma Valley during September and October of the past 
year. The results have been fully as satisfactory as we anticipated, and 
the economy of the process is very striking, labor being practically the 
only expense. 

ai 


8 


Miss Mary E. Murtfeldt reports upon the insects of the season in 
eastern Missouri, and also gives the results of experiments which she 
has made with certain insecticides submitted to her from this office for 
trial. She also presents descriptions of four Microlepidoptera, gees 
are new in the role of feeders upon Apple. 

Prof. Herbert Osborn reports upon the insects injurious to forage- 
crops, meadows, and pastures in his State. His report last year was 
mainly taken up with the consideration of the Leaf-Hoppers, to which ~ 
he gives some further consideration this year, adding some notes on 
locusts and crickets. He presents also a series of miscellaneous obser- 
vations. 

Mr. F. M. Webster devotes his report mainly to the Hessian Fly, dis- 
cussing the number and development of broods, the effect of the larve 
upon plants, the effect of the weather on the development of the fall 
brood, and preventive measures. He also gives some notes upon three 
of the species of Plant-lice, found commonly upon wheat. 

In presenting this bulletin for publication, I desire to thank these 
agents for the care with which they have followed out instructions and 
for the intelligent manner in which they have conducted these investi- 


gations. 
C. V. Be 


REPORT ON NEBRASKA INSECTS. 


By LAWRENCE BRUNER. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


LINCOLN, NEBR., October 16, 1890. 

Sir: Herewith is submitted a report of my work in Nebraska for the yearas special 
field agent of the Division of Entomology of the United States Department of Agri- 
culture. 

In addition to my observations on the general insect depredations within the State, 
I have incidentally given some time to the study of such insects as were taken upon 
the sugar and other beets during the summer. 

This special study was undertaken at the suggestion of our experiment station 
director, who was quite anxious that “‘ beet insects ” should be made the subject of 
a special bulletin to be issued from the station some time during the coming winter. 
I accordingly include herewith a brief summary of the results of this special study. 

Yours truly, 
LAWRENCE BRUNER, 
Field Agent. 
Prof. €: Vi. RILEY, 
U. S. Entomologist. 


The past summer has not been particularly noted as one in which 
insect depredators were especially abundant or destructive to the vari- 
ous crops that are raised in the State. In fact, taking the State as a 
whole, the injuries from this source have been rather less than is usually 
the case. No one species, so far as I have been informed, has been a 
pest during the year. The Corn Root-worm (Diabrotica longicornis), 
while it has spread some since my last report, was much less abundant 
than last year. Cut-worms did not appear in early summer so univer- 
sally over the State, nor did they do anything near the damage they 
did the year past. No Army-worm depredations have been reported at 
the station, nor have any come to my own observation; while the Corn 
Ear-worm (Heliothis armigera) has been less destructive in most portions 
of the region along the Missouri River. 

If any one insect has been on the increase and has caused more in- 
jury than usual, it was the almost universal Codling Moth (at least 
universal wherever apples are grown or eaten). But if this insect has 


hecome apparently more widespread within this region than it was 
9 


10 


formerly, it is quite consoling to know that the warfare against it has 
also become more genera]. Almost every fruit-grower has at last come 
to the forced conclusion that warfare against this insect, at least, has 
become an absolute necessity, and has accordingly instituted a rigor- 
ous fight against it. The arsenious spray is the almost universal 
remedy resorted to with our fruit-growers here in Nebraska, as it is 
in other localities. Either London purpleor Paris green are the poisons 
used, and where applied properly always result favorably to the or- 
chardist. 


THE GREEN-STRIPED MAPLE WORM. 


The Green-striped Maple-worm (Anisota rubicunda) appeared quite 
numerously again in the towns and cities of Nebraska, and has done 
much injury to the Soft Maples (Acer saccharinum) growing along their 
streets. Here in Lincoln, the first or spring brood of larve was suffi- 
ciently numerous to defoliate many of the largest trees before they 
had become fully matured, and in that manner proved to be quite 
effectual towards self-extermination. Many of the larve actually 
starved to death; while others were so weakened from starvation that 
they either died in the chrysalis state, or else were so exhausted when 
they emerged as moths that there was but little egg-laying for a sec- 
ond brood. Some of the neighboring cities and towns were less for- 
tunate, and had a much more plentiful: fall brood of the larve, and 
hence will be well supplied with the insect next spring unless something 
unforeseen prevents it. 

Considerable has been done inthe way of remedies by the citizens of 
Lincoln against the second brood. Many of the moths were gathered 
and destroyed before they~had time to deposit their eggs and later on 
in the season spraying the trees with London purple and Paris green 
was resorted to with good results. 

While a moderately dry summer usually has the tendency to increase 
the number of most of our injurious insects, several such years imme- 
diately following one another have the opposite effect. So it has been 
with the summer which has just closed. The drought was so very 
marked that even the more hardy insect life was sensibly affected by 
its severity. Such species as had been favored by the scarcity of their 
more frail parasites during several years of moderate drought, this year 
were themselves, to a certain degree, sensibly affected by its continu- 
ance and severity. 


LOCUSTS OR GRASSHOPPERS. 


Locusts or grasshoppers of several species. were quite numerous in 
certain localities, especially in cities away from the destructive influ- 
ence of fowls and such other predaceous animals as are always at hand 
in the country ready to “ gobble up” various insects. These locusts did 
some damage, of course, but not nearly so much as was done by them 


11 


last year. Whether this decrease in their numbers has been due to 
parasites or to disease, I can not say. 

One noticeable fact in connection with the subject of insect depreda- 
tions, in this particular region at least, is the growing interest which 
the general public is taking, and the tendency on the part of the people 
to help themselves against this host of insect enemies which is assailing 
them on all sides. Whether this interest is traceable to any particular 
source, or whether necessity is the awakening factor, I can not say. I 
trust, though, that my work in this direction has not been entirely in 
vain. 

BEET INSECTS. 


Iiver sinve the Sugar Beet industry was first agitated here in the 
West, and now especially since the project has assumed such a prae- 
tical form, it has become of general interest. For several years now the 
cultivation of the sugar beet has been a theme for much speculation, 
and to some extent also of experimentation. Now that a large factory 
has been built at Grand Island in this State, the sugar beet is to be one 
of our regular crops year after year. It will no longer be a plant that 
is grown out of mere curiosity or simply for experimentation. 

It has been ascertained in connection with the culture of the sugar 
beet that certain insects show a tendency to attack and injureit. In 
this respect the beet is not any different from other cultivated plants; 
or, for that matter, wild or native ones also. In fact, it- is too evident 
that certain ones of these insect enemies seem to prefer this “new” 
- crop to any of these which have been cultivated in the same region for 
a considerable time. 

It was therefore thought here at the experiment station, early last 
summer, that it might be well, as far as practicable in connection with 
other lines of work, to give some attention to these insect enemies of 
the sugar beet. Accordingly the following ‘press bulletin” was sent 
out over the State: 


SUGGESTIONS IN REGARD TO THE SUGAR-BEET CULTURE. 


Reports from the sub-stations established in the spring by the State Experiment 
Station for the purpose of determining the effect of the varying conditions of the 
soil and climate on the growth of and the production of sugar in the Sugar beet are 
in the main good. 

In many places, especially in the extreme western part of the State, beets have 
suffered from hot weather and a lack of rain; asarule, though, they seem to withstand 
these unfavorable conditions as well as corn and better than small grain. 

From some points reports tell us that insect enemies have begun their ray- 
BOOS ee 

As there are several kinds of insects that attack the beet, and as they have already 
been reported as having begun operations, it seems the proper time to begin to learn 
something of their appearance, habits, and the best means of meeting their advances. 
To this end the beets should be watched very carefully, from day to day and at dif- 
ferent times of the day, and even in the evening, for any insect, bug, or worm that 
seems to have an interest in them; search the leaves, pull up the beets and search the 


12 


roots and the top layer of the soil, and when any marauder is found send it to the 
experiment station for study and identification. 

Directions for sending such specimens I copy from Bulletin XIV on “Insects Inju- 
rious to Young Trees on Tree Claims,” just issued: 

‘‘ Whenever possible, insects should be packed alive in some tight tin box—the 
tighter the better, as air-holes are not needed—along with a supply of their appro- 
priate food sufficient to last them on the journey ; otherwise they generally die on 
the road and shrivel up. 

‘Send as full an account as possible of their habits; what part of the plant they 
infest, time of day when they are most active, amount of damage done, ete. 

‘Packages should be marked with the name of the sender and should be addressed 
to the entomologist of the Agricultural Experiment Station, Lincoln, Nebr.” 

It will aid very materially in forming conclusions if all people who have planted 
seed this season will send from time to time reports of the conditions of their beets 
to the experiment station, 

Address: 

H. H. NicwHoxson, 
Agricultural Experiment Station, Lincoln, Nebr. 


The very dry summer may have had considerable to do towards 
influencing much of the insect injury to the beets grown within the 
region designated, and some species of insects may have worked upon 
this plant that ordinarily would not have done so. In many localities 
various insects were observed to congregate among the leaf stems just 
above the ground that could not have been there for mischief, since — 
they were such forms as do not feed upon growing plants. Especially 
was this true in portions of the State where the drought was severest 
and where other refugees from the burning sun and parched soil were 
scarce or entirely wanting. In many of these localities a great variety 
of insect life was always sure to be found hidden away during the day- 
time in such places. Not only beetles but also representatives of such 
other orders as the Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Orthoptera, 
Diptera, and Lepidoptera were quite common in such localities. Even 
many water-inhabiting forms frequently occurred in company with the 
others, 

Of course all of these insects that were found on or about the roots 
of the beets were sent in to the station both by the field agents and 
by the various correspondents, who took an interest in the investiga- 
tions under way. To separate most of these “refugees” from such 
other forms as might possibly be there for mischief was, of course, quite 
easily done at the station by those who were accustomed to the habits 
of most of the insects under consideration. A few of them were, how- 
ever, more difficult to single out, and required Special study to decide 
positively, which in nearly every case was accomplished. 

In the study of this subject it was quickly demonstrated that almost 
all of the insect enemies of the sugar beet, as well as of the common 
garden and other varieties, were either weed feeders or else were such 
as are very general feeders. It was also ascertained that nearly if not 
quite all of the insects of whatsoever description that attack other 


13 


Chenopodiaceous plants, as the various species of “tumble weeds,” 
the “pig-weed,” Atriplices, etc., the purslane and other juicy weeds, 
as also many of those that attack the various Crucifere and Solanacesx, 
will also feed upon the beet. Not a single species of insect has thus 
far been reported by any of the agents of the station, or by correspond: 
ents, that is exclusively a beet feeder. Every one of them has been as- 
certained to attack some one or more of the other plants that are also 
common to the region. Only a very few species have appeared in num- 
bers sufficiently great to be what could be termed ‘‘ destructive” to the 
beet within the region covered by these studies or investigations; and 
these few are of such a nature that they can be readily combated. 

In their modes of attack upon the beet these various insects, so far 
as they have been studied, are either leaf-feeders or root-borers, 7. ¢., 
they either attack the foliage which they devour or from which they 
suck the juices by inserting their beaks, or they bore into or gnaw the 
roots. Later on in our investigations we may find that there are others 
that will attack the seeds and seed stems. In either of the former cases 
the result is an injury to the beet, whether it is being cultivated for the 
table, for feeding to stock, or for the manufacture of sugar. Should 
future study reveal others that attack the seed of the beet these latter 
would of course be of direct injury to the seed industry since much 
seed will necessarily have to be raised to provide for the large crops 
that are required each year for sugar. 

Having now become fully convinced that the cultivation of the Sugar 
Beet is not without its drawbacks here in the West, and that there are 
insects which we must contend against and overcome in raising this 
crop, as well as in the raising of corn, wheat, and potatoes, we see 
the necessity of beginning our fight at once if we would prevent much 
future loss. By prompt action in the beginning, when the enemies are 
few in numbers and less generally distributed, we will have a much 
easier time of it; besides, our losses from this cause will be infinitely 
smaller than if we neglect them and permit them to go on increasing 
and spreading unmolestedly. 

The following list embraces all such species of insects as were either 
found to injure the beet here in Nebraska or else have been recorded 
by others as attacking this plant within the region referred to: 


List OF BEET INSECTS. 


Species that attack the Leaves. 
LEPIDOPTERA. 


1. Spilosoma virginica, Fab.—The larva of this very common insect, is one of 
the first noticed to injure the beet. It also infests a large number of other 
plants. 

2. Spilosoma isabella, Abb.—The larva, like that of the preceding, attacks the beet 
and many of our common weeds. 

3. Mamestra picta, Harr.—Larva occasionally attacks the leaves of beet and other 
garden plants. 


6. 


10. 


dt. 


16. 


ive 


18. 


19. 


20. 


21. 


2 


wo 


14 


. Eurycreon rantalis, Guen.—The larva of this small Pyralid moth is one of our 


most destructive beet insects. It is the oneusually known as the Garden Web- 
worm; and also attacks a number of other plants among which are the “ Pig- 
weed,” the tumble weed, purslane, etc. 


. Mamestra trifolii, Rott.—Larva quite common on beets; and sometimes doing 


considerable injury by gnawing away the leaves and the entire tops of small 
plants. Also a purslane insect. 

Plusia brassice, Riley.—The larva occasionally attacks the beet, but more com- 
monly the turnip, cabbage, and other Cruciferex, 


. Deilephila lineata, Fab.—Larva found feeding on beet leaves in Lincoln, Nebr., 


by Mr. H. Marsland. A very common purslane insect. 


. Copidryas gloveri, G. and R.—Taken several times on the leaves of beets which it 


had eaten more or less. An abundant purslane moth. 


. Agrotis, spp.—Several species of these ‘‘ cut-worms” are occasionally quite de- 


structive to the beet while it is still small. They work more or less all summer, 
but are most destructive early in the year. They cut off the plant just at ora 
little below the surface of the ground. Some of them also work upon the leaves 
above the ground. 

Teucania unipuncta, Haw.—The Army Worm, when it is abundant, does consider- 
able damage to beets and other garden plants by eating their foliage. 

Botis pesticata, Grt.—The larva of this moth is said to be quite destructive to a 
number of plants here in the West. ‘‘In 1873 we found the larve feeding 
upon Helianthus, Ambrosia, potatoes, and beets, skeletonizing and ruining the 
plants for miles along the Neosho Valley and throughout Kansas,” writes Pro- 
fessor Riley in the U. 8. Agricultural Report for 1883, 


ORTHOPTERA. 


. Melanoplus femur-rubrum, DeG.—Occasionally injuring the leaves of beets and 


other vegetables. 


. MW. atlanis, Riley.—When common, a general feeder, at least upon the products 


of the garden and farm—beets of course included. 


. MW. spreius, Thos.—Attacks the beet during times of invasions. Sometimes en- 


tirely eating away the leaves and portions of root that protrude from the 
ground. 


. M. differentialis, Thos.—When plentifui it occasionally does some injury to the 


foliage of the beet and other garden plants. 

M. divittatus, Say.—Where beets are planted on low ground or are growing 
close to some rank vegetation, it attacks their tops, but never does much 
damage. 

Dissosteira carolina, Lin.—Found feeding upon the tops of sugar beets during the 
month of July, at McCook, Nebr. 

Trimerotropis latifasciata, Scudd.—Taken in company with the preceding, also 
feeding on sugar beets. 

Spharagemon cwquale, Scudd.—Several specimens were received daring the sum- 
mer from McCook and Ravenna, Nebr., with the accompanying statement to 
the effect that they fed on the sugar beet. 

Pezotettix olivaceus, Scudd.—I have seen this hopper in beet fields several times 
under such circumstances as led me to think it feeds upon that plant. It is also 
quite partial to Helianthus and Chenopodium. 


COLEOPTERA, 


Diabrotica 12-punctata, Oliv.—Quite common on the leaves of beets, which it in- 
jures by gnawing holes in them. 

Disonycha triangularis, Say.—The beetle feeds upon the leaves of beets and other 
Chenopodiaceous plants. Sometimes quite common here in the West. 


ake 


15 


23. D. cervicalis, Lec.—Has similar habits to the preceding, but is less abundant. 

24. D. xanthomelena, Dalm.—Common on beets and other Chenopodiaceous plants, 
the leaves of which it riddles with holes,’ 

25. D. crenicollis, Say.—One of the 5-lined flea-beetles that occur here in moderate 
numbers; is also occasionally taken on beet leaves at Lincoln, Nebr. 

26. Systena frontalis, Fab.—Found feeding upon beet leaves on the College farm, Lin- 
coin, Nebr.; also on the leaves of Hibiscus militaris at West Point, Nebr. 

27. S. teniata, var. blanda, Melsh.—A very numerous species in all parts of the State 
from which beet-feeding insects have been received. It literally riddles the 
leaves of beets with pit-like holes, in some instances entirely destroying the 
leaves of quite large plants. I have also taken it upon white clover, purslane, 
and amaranthus. This is liable to be one of our most destructive beet insects 
here in the West, especially in Nebraska. 

28. Psylliodes convexior, Lec.—Another of the flea-beetles that is very abundant on 
the leaves of beets in some portions of Nebraska, and which works in a soine- 
what similar manner to the preceding. 

29. Chetocnema denticulata, Illig.—I found still another of our small flea-beetles at 
work on the beets growing on the State farm here at Lincoln, although in much 
fewer numbers than either of the two species preceding. 

Epitric cucumeris, Harr.—This small flea-beetle was found to be quite abundant 
at Ashland, Nebr., where it was taken by Mr. T. A. Williams, upon the potato, 
Solanum nigrum, and the beet, the leaves of all of which were more or less 
closely riddled with holes. 

Epicauta pennsylvanica, DeG.—This black plisierhectias injures the leaves of quite 
a number of plants, prominent among which are the potato, ‘‘ pigweed,” and 
beet. It has been received at the station from central and western Nebraska 
as one of the most destructive insects attacking the plant. 

32. Epicauta cinerea, Forst.—Another of these blister-beetles was found here at Lin- 
coln by Mr. Herbert Marsland, who said it almost ruined a small bed of beets 
growing in his garden. I have also collected the same species from one of the 
wild beans and several other native plants. 

33. Epicauta maculata, Say.—This insect has been received from Medicine Lodge, 
Kans., and from Grant and Neligh, Nebr., where it was found to injure the 
sugar beets by feeding on the leaves. It isa very common insect here in the 
West upon quite a number of the Chenopodiaceous plants, and especially upon 
the various species belonging to the genera Chenopodium and Atriplex, 

34, Epicauta vittata, Fab.— This striped blister-beetle is also a beet insect; and has 

- been received from Ogalalla, this State, where it was reported as doing much 

damage to sugar beets. It also is quite a general feeder. Among its food plants 
ate to be mentioned the Solanacesx, some of the Leguminose, and I have found 
it to be quite destructive to several of the Sagittaric. 

35. Epicauta cinerea, var. marginata.—This large black blister beetle also frequently 
gathers upon vegetables of different kinds in the semi-arid regions east of the 
Rocky Mountains, but chiefly upon beans. I have taken it on beets once or 
twice here in Nebraska. 

36. Cantharis nuttalli, Say.—During the late summer and early fall of 1888 this in- 
sect was very destructive to garden plants, beets included, in the Black Hills 
of South Dakota. It also abounds in the western and northwestern parts of 
Nebraska. 

Colaspis brunnea, Fab.—This small leaf beetle, which appears to be quite a gen- 
eral feeder, has been taken on several different occasions upon the beet both by 
myself and different ones of the field agents, and also by some of the correspond- 
ents. ; 

Epicerus imbricatus, Say.—The Imbricated Snout-beetle has been known to attack 
the beet among the many other plants upon which it feeds. It is a general 


feeder. 


30 


31 


37 


38 


39 


40. 


41. 


42, 


43, 


44. 


46. 


47. 


49, 


50. 


51, 


52, 


16 


Centrinus penicillus, Hbst.—Another of the Snout-bettles that attack the beets 
here in the West is the one known to the entomologist by the above name. It 
gnaws small holes in the leaf-stem, and when numerous does considerable harm 
to the plants attacked. Whether or not the insect breeds here I was tunable to 
ascertain. 

C. perscitus, Hbst.—Still a third species of weevil was found upon the beets grow- 
ing on the State farm. It isa much commoner insect than penicillus, and works 
in a similar manner upon the leaf-stem. 

Apion, sp.—This little Apion was taken on the leaves of beets here at Lincoln on 
two separate occasions. 

Doryphora10-iineata, Say.—The Colorado Potato-beetle was brought into my office 
at different times during the summer by those who reported its having been 
captured on the leaves of beet which it was “ certainly eating.” 


HETEROPTERA, 


Blissus leucopterus, Say.—The Chinch Bug has quite frequently been taken by 
me upon beet tops in company with several others of the plant bugs. Whether 
or not it was there only temporarily, I can not say; but suppose it was, since 
all of our leading economic entomologists assert that its food-plants are limited 
to the grasses. 

Piesma cinerea, Say.—A very common bug on the beet and various others of the 
Chenopodiaceous plants. Sometimes doing much damage to the leaves of the 
former. 


. Nysius angustatus, Uhl.—Another bug that often gathers upon the beet and other 


garden plants is what is called the False Chinch-bug. When numerous it 
often does considerable harm to the plants which it attacks. It is also one of 
the weed insects that enjoys a wide range. 

Geocoris bullatus, Say.—The Large-headed False Chinch-bug, or Purslane Bug, is 
also much addicted to infesting the beet here in Nebraska. In fact it has been 
received from all over the State as one of the commonest of insects infesting 
the beet. It is also a great weed bug. 

Trapezonotus nebulosus, Fall.—This bug also frequents the beet and several other 
Chenopodiaceous plants. It is especially partial to the Pigweed (Chenopo- 
dium album) here in Nebraska. 


. Emblethis arenarius, Linn.—Taken several times on the beet in company with the 


preceding. This insect also is a frequenter of localities where Chenopodium al- 
bum is growing. The species also occurs about the roots of “Stink Grass” 
(Eragrostis major). 

Lygus pratensis, Linn.—Probably one of the most general feeders among the true 
bugs, and sometimes a very destructive enemy of the beet. It occurs through- 
out the entire North American continent in the temperate regions. 

Euthoctha galeator, Fab.—This bug has also been taken several times on the beet 
in the vicinity of Lincoln, Nebr. I have collected it also from the wild cucum- 
ber (Echinocystis lobata). 


HOMOPTERA. 


Agallia siccifolia.—This little leaf-hopper, which seems to be especially partial to 
the different species of Amarantus and Chenopodium and allied weeds, is also 
equally fond of the beet, at least such would appear to be the fact, judging from 
the large numbers of the insect that are invariably to be found upon this plant 
all through the summer. It occurs in all stages. 

Immature forms only.—Found in moderate numbers on the sugar beet at Grant, 
Nebr., a rather large leaf-hopper, which also occurs upon the Amarantus and 
Chenopodium, 


17 


53. Allygus sp.—This prettily marked leaf-hopper is very partial to Chenopodium al- 
bum, on the under side of the leaves of which it breeds throughout the summer. 
This insect also attacks other species of the same genus, those of the genera Ama- 
rantus and Montilia, etc. Besides these it is very frequently found on the beet. 
Characteristic marks of its presence are the rather large purplish spots that are seen 
upon the leaves of plants that have been punctured by its beak. 

54. Lrythroneura sp.—Another small, slender, green leaf-hopper that is occasionally 
met with upon the beet. 

55. Athysanus (? sp.).—Still another of these leaf-hoppers that is found upon the beet. 

56. Liburnia intertecta.—There is still a sixth of these leaf-hoppers that has been taken 
on the beet here in Nebraska; and which presumably also does some injury to that 
plant by sucking its juices. 

57. Aphis atriplicis, Linn.—Mr. T. A. Williams tells me that he has taken this plant- 
louse on the beet at Ashland, this State, where it was quite common during the 
year. 

58. Aphis cucumeris, Forbes.—This past summer Mr, Williams also took what he de- 
termined to be the Aphis cucumeris, Forbes, breeding quite abundantly upon some 
beets that grew right by the side of some cucumber vines that had been infested 
by the same insect. 

59. Siphonophora pisi, Kalt.—The same gentleman tells me that he has also taken the 
common garden aphid here at Lincoln, on the beet. He found it in the pupa and 
winged stages. 


Species that attack the Root. 
COLEOPTERA. 


60. Ligyrus gibbosus, De G.—This beetle has been quite destructive to the sugar beet 
over limited areas towards the western part of the State during the present season. 
It attacks the root, into which the mature insect gnaws great holes, sometimes 
entirely imbedding itself. It worked most on old ground and where irrigation was 
resorted to. It worked on the roots from the surface to a considerable depth but 
most at about 3 or 4 inches below the surface. In some instances it reached a depth 
of fully 7 inches below the surface. 

61. Lachnosterna fusca, Fréh.—Not unfrequently the common white grub attacks the 
roots of the beet, and does injury to the plant in that way. ‘There are very likely 
several kinds of the ‘‘ grub” that are concerned in these attacks, since almost every 
locality has its particular species of ‘‘ June bug” that predominates in numbers. 

62. Wire Worms.—Several of the larvze of ‘‘ snapping beetles,” or click beetles, are 
also to be charged with injuring the roots of beets in some localities. 

63. Unknown larva.—On two different occasions during the past summer I found beets 
that had been attacked by some unknown larva just below the surface of the 
ground, and from which the depredator had already escaped. The work resem- 
bled that of an insect that works in the roots of different “tumble weeds” and 
causes them to break off. The larvee are rather short, thick, whitish grubs with 
brownish heads, about one-fourth of an inch in length, slightly largest in the mid- 
dle; possibly the larva of some snout beetle. 


UNCERTAIN. 


64. Silpha opaca, Linn.—This insect has been taken several times by me in beet fields, 
and in gardens where beets were growing. In Europe the insect is said to be quite 
injurious to the beet crop, by attacking and devouring the leaves. Whether or not 
it has the same habit in this country I can not say. 


In addition to the above list of insects that are known to actually 
attack one or the other varieties of beet there are several others that 
25910—Bull, 23 2 


18 


have been taken so frequently upon that plant, and under such pecu- 
liar circumstances, that they, too, may preve to beits enemies. Among 
these latter I would mention several of the Eleodes, one Collops, and 
several Diptera. 


REMEDIES THAT CAN BE USED AGAINST BEET INSECTS. 


It will be quickly seen by any one who has taken the pains to go 
over the foregoing list, that in nearly every case, at least so far as men- 
tioned here, the insect enemies of the beet are identical with those that 
work upon our common garden weeds, or else they are such as are very 
general feeders. It will also be observed that most of them are 
leaf-feeders; ¢. ¢., they nearly all attack that portion of the piant 
above ground. These being the facts in the case, the remedies that at 
once suggest themselves are simple. A spray of some kind scattered 
over the plants will be effectual as well as economical. The beet tops 
are seldom utilized for food, either for man or beast. Hence for pro- 
tection against insects with gnawing mouth parts that attack them an 
arsenical spray can be used, whilst for such as receive their nourish- 
ment by means of a sucking mouth the kerosene emulsion will answer 
the purpose. This latter remedy will also be effective against No. 27, 
as has been demonstrated by actual experiment by at least one of our 
correspondents, who writes that “The kerosene emulsion which you 
directed me to try on my beets against the flea-beetles was a perfect 
success.” 

A direct as well as useful remedy is the careful destruction of all 
such weeds as furnish food for the same insects that attack the beet. 
Clean culture in this case becomes doubly necessary. First, to prevent 
the appropriation by the weeds of nourishment that should be taken by 
the beets, and secondly, to give less room for the propagation of inju- 
rious insects. 


REPORT ON VARIOUS METHODS FOR DESTROYING SCALE 
INSECTS. 


By D. W. CoquiLLert, Special Agent. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


Los ANGELES, CAL., October 8, 1890. 

Sir: I herewith submit my annual report for the season of 1890. The Australian 
lady-bird (Vedatia cardinalis Mulsant) recently introduced by this Division, success- 
fully survived the winter unprotected out of doors, and as early as the month of 
March I was able to distribute several colonies to those requesting them. Lest this 
species, after exterminating the Fluted or Cottony-cushion Seale (Icerya purchasi 
Maskell) should become extinct on this coast, our State Board of Horticulture, at the 
suggestion of its president, Hon. Ellwood Cooper, has erected two propagating 
houses over two large orange trees belonging to Col. J. R. Dobbins, in the San Ga- 
briel Valley ; in these houses the Vedalias are to be propagated and distributed to 
those requiring them. At the present writing it is no easy matter to find a single 
living Icerya anywhere in this part of the State, although in the early part of the 
season they appeared in limited numbers in a great many places; later in the season 
the Vedalias also appeared in considerable numbers, and by sending colonies of these 
to the different localities where the Iceryas had appeared, the latter were effectually 
held in check. 

The Red Scale (Aspidiotus awrantii Maskell), so destructive to Citrus trees in certain 
jocalities, is rapidly reduced in numbers through the agency of the treatment with 
hydrocyanic acid gas, described in my previousreports. This treatment is now being 
largely used for the above mentioned purpose, and is giving far better results than 
have ever been obtained by the use of any kind of a spray ; numerous instances have 
occurred where, upon large Citrus trees treated with this gas, neither myself nor other 
parties were able to find a single living Red Scale, either upon the bark, leaves, or 
fruit—a result which so far as I am aware has never been obtained by the use of any 
kind of aspray. The cost of treating trees with the gas is scarcely greater than that 
of using a spray, while the method has been so greatly simplified that trees can now 
be treated with the gas very nearly as rapidly as they can be sprayed. Ihave not as 
yet learned that any person, or even a single domestic animal, has ever been acci- 
dentally injured either by the gas itself or by the materials used in producing it. All 
of the objections which at first were urged against the use of this gas—the danger of 
being poisoned by it or by the chemicals used, the great expense attached to its use, 
and the impracticability of operating the tents—have finally been overcome, and the 
treatment is now in successful operation. 

In my last report I gave an account of the spraying of a number of orange trees 
at Orange according to instructions. These trees were not again sprayed until the 
lapse of a little over one year, At this latter date the trees were again badly infested 

19 


20 


with the Red Seale ( Aspidiotus awrantii Maskell), although these were not so numer- 
ous as they were at the time that I had them sprayed a little over one year previously. 
The oranges when gathered in the following spring were quite free from the scales, 
none of them having been rejected by the purchaser on account of being too badly 
infested with these pests. Those who depend upon spraying for ridding their trees 
of these scales usually spray their trees twice a year, in March or April, and again 
in August or September, although some growers perform these operations only in the 
autumn, the second spraying being given to the trees about two months after the 
first. 
During the past season I have received numerous favors from you, especially in 
the matter of identifying insects, for all of which please accept thanks. 
Respectfully yours, 
D. W. CoQuiLLeTt. 
Prom ©. Va KODE, 
United States Entomologist. 


THE GAS TREATMENT FOR THE RED SCALE. 


The process of treating trees with hydrocyanic acid gas for the de- 
struction of scale insects (Family Coccid) is now being extensively 
used in southern California, not only in the orange groves, but also in 
the nursery where the imported trees are subjected to this treatment 
for the purpose of ridding them of insect pests. In Orange County 
alone fully 20,000 orange and lemon trees have been subjected to this 
treatment the present year in order to free them from the red scale 
(Aonidia aurantit Maskell). 

_ Since the year 1887 various accounts of this process have been pub- 
lished in some of the Annual Reports and Periodical Bulletins of this 
Department.* 

But as these are somewhat scattered, and include an account of the 
various improvements that have been made from time to time, I have 
thought it desirable to give in this place a brief account of this process 
as at present used in actual field work, including in the account such 
improvements as have been made since writing up my last report upon 
this subject. Briefly speaking, this process consists in covering the 
infested tree with an air-tight tent and afterward charging the tent 
with hydrocyanic acid gas. The material commonly used in the con- 
struction of the tent is what is known as blue or brown drilling. A 
few persons have used common ducking in place of the drilling, but 
this is much inferior to the latter; in the ducking the threads of which 
it is composed extend only lengthwise and crosswise, whereas in the 
drilling they also extend diagonally—this belonging to the class of 
goods to which our merchants apply the term “ twilled”—and for this 
reason the drilling is both stronger and closer in texture than the 
ducking. ; 


*See Annual Report United States Department of Agriculture for the year 1887, 
pp-123-142; and 1888, pp. 123-126, Also InsEcr Lire, vol. 1, pp. 41,42 and 286; and 
vol. 11, p. 202-207, 


21 


After the tent is sewed up it is given a coat of black paint, as it has 
been ascertained that tents treated in this manner last longer than 
those which have been simply oiled with linseed oil. Some persons mix 
a small quantity of soap suds with the paint in order to render the lat- 
ter more pliable when dry, and therefore less liable to crack. Instead 
of thus painting the tent some persons simply give it a coating made of 
an inferior grade of glue called “ size,” first dissolving this in water and 
then covering the tent with it, using a whitewash brush for this pur- 
pose. Sometimes a small quantity of whiting or chalk (carbonate of 
lime, Ca Co;),is added to this sizing with or without the addition of lamp- 
black. A few make use of the mucilaginous juice of the common Cactus 
(Opuntia engelmanni Sali.) for this purpose; to obtain this the Cactus 
leaves or stems are cut or broken up into pieces, thrown into a barrel 
and covered with water, after which they are allowed to soak for three 
or four days; the liquid portion is then drawn off and is ready for use 
without further preparation. Tents which I saw that had been pre- 
pared with this substance were to all appearances as air-tight and pli- 
able as when prepared in any other manner. 

A tent 26 feet tall by 60 feet in cireumference—a size large enough to 
cover the largest orange tree now growing in this State—if made out of 
drilling, and either painted or sized, as described above, will cost com- 
pleted about $60. Where the trees to be treated are not more than 12 
feet tall the tent can be placed over them by means of poles in the 
hands of three persons; to accomplish this, three iron rings are sewed to 
the tent at equal distances around and 6 or 7 feet from the bottom of 
the tent; immediately under each of these rings an iron hook is attached 
to the lower edge of the tent. When the latter is to be placed over a 
tree each of the hooks is fastened into the corresponding ring above it ; 
one end of a pole is then inserted into each of these rings and the tent 
raised up and placed on the tree. The hooks are then released from the 
rings and the lower edge of the tent allowed to drop upon the ground. 

Instead of allowing the tent to rest directly on the tree some growers 
use an umbrella-like arrangement, the handle of which is in two pieces, 
which are fastened together with clamps provided with pins; this 
allows the handle to be lengthened or shortened according to the height 
of the tree. This apparatus is put up over the tree and the tent allowed 
to rest upon it. By the use of this simple device the danger of break- 
ing off the small twigs on the upper part of the tree by the weight of 
the tent is avoided. Mr. Leslie, of Orange, used four tents and tent- 
rests of this kind, and he informs me that with the aid of two men he 
tumigated 120 trees in one night. To remove the tent from one tree, 
place it over another, and charge the generator required only one minute 
and a half. In the place of poles some persons attach a circle of gas 
pipe to the lower edge of the tent; then two men, each taking hold of 
opposite sides of this circle, throw the tent over the tree. Dr. J. H. 
Dunn, of Pomona, informs me that four men, using six tents like the 


22 


above, fumigated 240 orange trees in one night, and that the average 
for each night was over 200 trees, the latter being 8 feet or less in 
height. 

Trees over 12 feet tall will require a derrick of some kind for the pur- 
pose of putting on the tent and removing it again. For this purpose a 
stout mast is erected in the center of a strong framework mounted 
upon the running gears of a common farm wagon, the height of the 
mast depending upon the height of the trees to be operated upon. This 
mast is braced in four directions, and to the upper end of it is firmly 
attached a cross-piece, extending transversely to the length of the 
wagon, and long enough to reach from one row of trees to another. To 
each end of this cross-piece are attached small pulleys, through which 
pass ropes which are attached to the tents; by pulling down on these 
ropes the tents are drawn up to the cross piece after which the wagon 
is drawn ahead until the tents are directly over two of the trees to be 
treated; the ropes are then let out and the tents lowered down over 
the trees. The ropes are usually attached to the lower edge of the 
tents as well as to their apices, and when the tent is to be taken off of 
the tree the ropes attached to the bottom of it are first pulled down- 
ward, thus drawing the lower part of the tent up to the cross-piece 
first, and in a measure tarning the tent inside out. But for this device 
it would be necessary to have the cross-piece at least twice the height 
of the trees to be operated upon. This apparatus is drawn between 
two rows of trees and the trees on each side of it treated with, the gas. 
It iscustomary for the men themselves to draw the fumigator from tree 
to tree, thus doing away with the use of horses for this purpose. Stout 
planks are frequently used for the wheels of the fumigator to run upon. 
A fumigator of this kind, without the accompanying wagons and tents, 
ean be built for about $15, it being the cheapest and simplest apparatus 
ever used for this purpose. It has not as yet been patented, and is 
more largely used at the present time than any other kind, operating 
the tents successfully even upon the largest orange trees. The first 
fumigator of this kind was built by Mr. O. H. Leefeld, a prominent 
orange-grower of Orange, and a man who has had considerable experi- 
ence as a machinist. 

Within the past few weeks a new kind of a fumigator has been 
brought out by Mr. W. H. Souther, of Covina, Los Angeles County, 
Cal. This, like the preceding one, is mounted upon a common farm 
wagon, and operates two tents, one on either side of it. At each end 
of this fumigator are four upright posts attached at their lower ends to 
the framework, which is mounted on the wagon; the outermost posts 
are shorter than the inner ones, and to the upper end of each is attached 
a long spar by a hinged joint, which allows the spar to be moved back 
and forth transversely to the length of the wagon. The two spars on 
one side of the fumigator are connected with each other near their upper 
ends by means of a wooden cross-piece, and are drawn back and forth 


23 


by means of ropes passing through pulleys. The tents are operated by 
means of ropes, which pass through pulleys attached to the spars and 
cross-pieces described above, there being five ropes attached to each 
tent; one of these is attached to the apex of the tent, and passes 
through a pulley fastened to the middle of the above-mentioned cross- 
piece; two other ropes are attached to opposite sides of the tent, about 
midway between its apex and base, and pass through pulleys fastened 
to each of the spars near their upper ends; the other two ropes are 
attached to opposite sides of the lower edge of the tent and pass through 
pulleys fastened to each of the spars a few feet higher up than those 
above described. To the bottom of the tent is attached a wooden eir- 
cle in several pieces, and the two ropes attached to the bottom of the 
tent are fastened to this circle; these ropes are not exactly on opposite 
sides of the tent, the space between them equaling about one-third of 
the entire circumference of the lower edge of the tent. 

In taking the tent off of a tree the two ropes attached to the tent 
midway between its base and apex are first drawn downward until their 
points of attachment are slightly above the top of the tree, after which 
the two ropes attached to the lower edge of the tent are drawn down- 
ward until their points of attachment are drawn up against the spars 
at the places wliere the pulleys through which these ropes pass are fas- 
tened ; the lower edge of the tent at this stage will be perpendicular 
to the surface of the ground, and these ropes are further pulled upon 
until the spars on this side of the wagon are perpendicular to the 
wagon, thus bringing the weight of the tent upon the middle of the 
wagon; the spars are prevented from going over backward any farther 
by the presence of the inner upright posts referred to at the beginning 
of this description. When both of the tents have thus been drawn upon 
the wagon the latter is moved forward until the tents are brought op- 
posite the next two trees. Before the tents are again let down over 
the trees the fumigator is first braced up by means of four long braces 
attached to each of the four corner posts at a distance of about 8 feet 
from the ground; these are attached in such a manner that they may 
be swung out at right angles to the fumigator, or, when not in use, may 
be swung around and loaded upon the wagon without first detaching 
them. After these four braces are in position the ropes attached to one 
of the tents are let out and the tent allowed to fall down over the tree, 
a guide-rope being attached to its lower edge to aid in guiding it in its 
downward descent over the tree. 

Mr. Souther, the inventor of this fumigator, informs me that a fumi- 
gator of this kind, without the wagon and tents, could be built for about 
$60. He also informs me that a patent has been granted to him upon 
this fuinigator. 

Besides the above fumigators IT may also mention one which has been 
used in a few instances with very good results. It is an extremely 
simple affair, consisting of an upright post the lower end of which is 


24 
attached to a framework on a wagon or sled, while to its upper end is 
attached a long stick of timber, the latter being attached near its middle 
to the top of the post, like the sweep of an old-fashioned well. The 
tent is then attached to one end of the sweep, and by pulling downward 
on the opposite end the tent is raised up, and may then be swung 
around and let down over a tree. 

After the tent is placed over the tree the next step is to charge it 
with the gas. The materials used for the production of the gas consist 
of commercial sulphuric acid (Ky SO,), fused potassium cyanide (KON), 
and water, the proportions being 1 fluid ounce of the acid, 1 ounce by 
weight of the dry cyanide, and 2 fluid ounces of water. The generator 
is placed under the tent at the base of the tree; it consists of a common 
open earthenware vessel. The water is first placed in the generator, 
then the acid, and last the cyanide, after which the operator withdraws 
to the outside of the tent and the bottom of the latter is fastened down 
by having a few shovelfuls of earth thrown uponit. The tent is allowed 
to remain over the tree for a period of from 15 to 30 minutes, according 
to the size of the tree. 

It was found by experimenting that the trees were less liable to be 
injured by the gas when treated at night than they were when operated 
upon in day time, and at the same time the gas is just as fatal to the 
scale insects when applied at night as it would be if applied in the day 
time; and indeed it appears to be even more fatal when applied at night. 
This is accounted for by reason of the fact that in the day time the light 
and heat decompose the gas into other gases which, while being more 
hurtful to the trees, are not so fatal to insects. At night the trees are 
also more or less in a State of rest, and therefore are not so liable to be 
injured by the gas as they would be in the day time, when they are 
actively engaged in absorbing nourishment and replacing wasted tissue 
with new materials. 

Of the different materials used in generating the gas, the most 
important is the potassium cyanide; of this there are three grades: 
The mining cyanide, commercial cyanide, and the C. P. (chemically 
pure). Of these three brands, the mining cyanide is wholly unsuitable 
for the production of the gas, and the ©. P. is too expensive; the com- 
mercial brand (fused) is the only one that is used for producing the 
gas, but even this varies greatly in strength, containing all the way 
from 33 to 58 per cent. of pure potassium cyanide. It is, therefore, of 
the utmost importance that the operator should know the exact per- 
centage of pure potassium cyanide that his cyanide contains, and when 
large quantities of it are purchased at one time it would be advisable 
to obtain one or more analyses of it by a reliable analytical chemist ; 
or if it is not possible to submit the cyanide to such person, an analysis 
of it could be made by almost any person accustomed to the use of 
chemicals or drugs. 

The only substance required for this purpose is the crystals of nitrate 


~ 


25 


of silver (AgNO;), which may be obtained at almost any well-stocked 
drug store. Dissolve the nitrate in cold water contained in a glass or 
earthen vessel, using one-fourth of an ounce (Troy) of the crystals to 1 
pint of water; this dissolves ina few minutes, forming a whitish, semi- 
transparent solution. The cyanide, when dissolved in water, forms a 
transparent, nearly colorless solution; when a small quantity of the 
nitrate of silver solution is added to this it at first spreads out in a white 
cloud, like milk, but it soon breaks up into small, white, floccy pisces 
which gradually disappear upon being agitated, leaving the solution 
nearly as transparent as at first; when more of the nitrate of silver 
Solution is added from time to time the above process is repeated, ex- 
cept toward the last, when the cyanide solution becomes somewhat 
milky, but it still remainssemitransparent, permitting the operator to see 
quite clearly the bottom of the vessel containing the solution. As soon 
as a sufficient quantity of the nitrate of silver solution has been added 
tothe cyanide solution thelatter immediately becomes white and opaque, 
like milk, completely concealing from view the bottom of the vessel con- 
taining it. This completes the operation, and the quantity of nitrate 
of silver solution used will indicate the strength of the cyanide tested, 
When absolutely pure, 53 grains of the potassium cyanide dissolved in 
water will require 1 fluid ounce of the above nitrate of silver solution 
before the turbidity occurs, indicating that the cyanide is 100 per cent. 
strong; if only one-half of a fluid ounce of the nitrate of silver solution 
produces this turbidity, this indicates that the cyanide in only half 
strength, or 50 per cent. strong; if only one-fourth of a fluid ounce is 
required, then the cyanide is 25 per cent. strong; and so forth. The 
nitrate of silver solution should be added to the cyanide solution very 
slowly, the latter being agitated by gently shaking it each time that 
any of the nitrate solution is added. Wherever any of the nitrate of 
Silver solution comes in contact with the skin or nails of the hand it 
produces a reddish or black stain which can easily be removed by wash- 
ing the stained part in a solution of potassium cyanide and water; this 
will quickly remove the stain without causing any injury to the parts 
affected, except, of course, when the stains occur upon a sore or cut in 
the hand, in which case it would be very dangerous to apply the cyanide 
to these places. 

It sometimes happens that the percentage of cyanogen (CN or Cy)is 
given, instead of the percentage of potassium cyanide (KON or KCy); 

but in cases of this kind the percentage of cyanide can be readily ascer- 
tained by always bearing in mind that two-fifths of a given quantity of 
potassium cyanide is cyanogen. Thus if a certain brand of cyanide 
contains 24 per cent of cyanogen, this is equivalent to 60 per cent of 
pure potassium cyanide. Potassium cyanide when absolutely pure 
(equal to 100 per cent.) contains 40 per cent. of cyanogen; and, there- 
fore, no grade of cyanide could contain a larger percentage of cyano- 
gen than this. 


26 


The potassium cyanide used for producing the hydrocyanic acid gas 
is principally manufactured by two firms: Power & Weightman, of 
Philadelphia, Pa., and the Mallinkrodt Chemical Works, of St. Louis, 
Mo. That made by the first named firm is the most largely used ; when 
purchased by the ton the price is 36 cents per pound for the grade con- 
taining about 57 per ceit of pure potassium cyanide, packages and 
carriage extra. It is put up in tin cans holding 10 pounds each, and 
also in barrels holding about 400 pounds each. That in the cans is 
much to be preferred, since the quantity in each is so small that it will 
soon be used up after the can is opened; whereas, the barrel contain- 
jug so large a quantity, the cyanide used toward the last will have lost 
much of its strength by contact with the air. It is customary to weigh 
out the cyanide in small paper parcels, and mark each parcel with the 
number of ounces of cyanide that it contains; then when the tree is to 
be fumigated it is an easy matter for the operator to select one of the 
parcels containing a sufficient quantity of the cyanide for the tree, thus 
saving the trouble of weighing out the cyanide as it is to be used for 
each tree. As the fumigating is done only at night the weighing of the 
cyanide is frequently done by the ladies of the house upon the day pre- 
ceding its use. 

The quantity of cyanide to be used on each tree will, of course, de- 
pend not only upon the size of the tree but also upon the strength of the 
eyanide used. The following table will aid in determining the proper 
quantity of each ingredient to be used on different sized citrus trees, 
the cyanide being about 58 per cent pure: 


Height Diameter Sulphuric | Potassium 
of tree. | of tree-top. Water. acid. cyanide. 
Feet. Feet. Fluid ozs. | Fluid ozs. Ounces. 
6 4 3 4 A 
8 6 2 1 1 
10 8 43 24 24 
12 10 8 4 4 
12 14 16 8 8 
14 10 10 5 5 
14 14 19 9h 94 
16 12 16 8 
16 16 29 144 144 
18 14 26 13 13 
20 16 36 18 18 
22 18 52 26 26 
24 20 66 33 33 


Not only is this gas fatal to the Red scale (Aspidiotus aurantit Mas- 
kell), but also to the San José scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus Comstock), 
and indeed to all of the armored scales. It is also fatal to the Brown 
seale (Lecanium hesperidum Linn.) and to the Black seale (Lecaniwm 
olee Bernard), but the eggs of this species are not affected by it. 
The common Red Spider (Tetranychus telarius Linn.) and the Woolly 
Aphis (Schizoneura lanigera Hausmann) are also not affected by the gas 
when used strong enough to destroy the Red scale, although I have 
known it to prove fatal to true spiders (species not determined). House- 
flies (Musca domestica Linn.), Lace-winged flies (Chrysopa sp.?), and cer- 


27 


tain kinds of Ichneumon flies (Ophion macrurum Linn.) are also de- 
stroyed by the gas. On one occasion I obtained a cluster of eggs of a 
species of Psocus fly (Cacilius aurantiacus Hagen) that were deposited 
upon a leaf of a tree before the latter had been treated with the gas, 
and from these eggs afterwards issued a number of parasitie flies be- 
longing to the family Proctotrupid and to the genus Alaptus; but the 
species is as yet undescribed. Various kinds of Lady-birds, which are 
in the tree when the latter is treated with the gas, become stupefied and 
fall to the ground, but finally recover and are to all appearance none 
the worse for their temporary loss of consciousness. Birds, lizards, and 
even barn-yard fowls sometimes refuse to leave the large orange trees 
while the tent is being let down over them at night, and are therefore 
inclosed in the tent and subjected to the gas; the latter proves fatal to 
all of these. The small, pale yellow mites which are frequently found 
on orange trees, especially beneath the dead scales, are not affected by 
the gas; these have a general resemblance to the young of the Red seale, 
and several operators, finding these mites still alive after the tree had 
been subjected to the gas, came to the erroneous conclusion that the 
gas had not been effectual, thinking that these mites were the young of 
the Red scale. 

From the above it will be seen that the gas treatment is not a sure 
specific for every kind of insect pest, but for destroying Red scales on 
citrus trees it is far superior to any other method at present known. 


THE RESIN WASH FOR THE SAN JOSE SCALE. 


During the past winter I carried on quite a series of experiments with 
various kinds of washes for the destruction of the San José scale 
(Aspidiotus perniciosus Comstock) on dormant deciduous trees, kindly 
placed at my disposal by Mr. C. H. Richardson, the inspector of fruit 
pests for the Pasadena district, Mr. Richardson also aiding me in mak- 
ing many of these experiments. Among all of the washes tried the fol- 
lowing gave the best results: 


IRESe ata tee scisie aie is aclaece male wancteisc se ace ees arene pounds.. 30 
Caustic sodan@i0sper: CENb) cea a. -ress aoe eee een == sees Ones 
INGO Gilles ds c6ec 6s ee peS ap eneee PeeHeeeean nopenonee ao ncre pints... 44 
Waterenough toimake -.)---- o-ssen eee eee Smee neallons.. 100 


For making 100 gallons of the above wash a kettle holding 30 gallons 
will be required. Place all of the ingredients in the kettle and cover 
with water to a depth of 4 or 5inches, boil briskly for about 2 hours, or 
until it will dilute evenly with water, like black coffee, which it closely 
resembles in color. When this stage is reached the kettle should be 
filled up with water, adding this very slowly at first; the contents of 
the kettle can then be emptied into a tank or other vessel, and a suffi- 
cient quantity of water added to make 100 gallons. Care should be 
taken not to chill the wash by adding large quantities of cold water at 
one time. 


28 


The making of this wash will be greatly accelerated if the resin and 
caustic soda are first pulverized before being placed in the kettle; if in 
large pieces, a considerable length of time will be required in which to 
dissolve them. Ifa sufficient quantity of water is not used at first the 
materials when dissolved will form a thick, pasty mass, which simply 
breaks open in places to allow the steam to escape, and pieces of the 
mixture will be thrown out of the boiler or against its sides or lid by 
the escaping steam. When this occurs, water should be added until 
the solution boils up in a foamy mass. Whenever there is a tendency 
to boil over a small quantity of cold water should be added, but not 
too much, or the making of the solution will be retarded; after a few 
trials the operator will learn how much water to add in order to pre- 
vent the solution from boiling over and yet keep it in a brisk state of 
ebullition. If it is not desired to add all of the water at the same time 
that the solution is made, then enough can be added to equal two- 
fifths of the quantity required; the balance of the water can then be 
added at any subsequent time without again heating the solution. 
Thus, if a sufficient quantity of the solution is boiled to make when 
diluted 100 gallons, this could first be diluted to make only 40 gallons, 
and the remaining 60 gallons of water added at any time as required. 
If it is desired to use it in a still more concentrated form than this, it 
need not be diluted at all after it has been boiled sufficiently, but in 
this case it will be necessary to heat it again before adding the water. 

On the 11th of February, between the hours of 1:30 and 4:20 p. mn. 
(sun shining, light breeze), I had 60 dormant deciduous fruit trees 
sprayed with the above solution. These consisted of peach, plum, apple, 
pear, and quince trees; none of them had started to leaf out except the 
quince, which had put forth a few leaves at the tips of some of its 
branches. Each of these trees was infested with the San José scale 
(Aspidiotus perniciosus Comstock) and several of them had been almost 
killed by the attacks of this pest. April 23 I made a careful examina- 
tion of these trees and found only a very few living San José scales; 
all of thetrees except those which were nearly dead when sprayed were 
now making avigorous growth. May 12 lagain examined these trees, 
and found living San José scales on only three of them, about half a 
dozen scales on each. I made another examination on the 11th day of 
June, and found a few San José scales on some of the pears on the 
above trees. All of the Black scales (Lecanium olee Bernard) which 
I found on these trees were dead, and their eggs were dry. July 241 
again examined these trees and found three or four living San José 
scales on a few pears and apples on some of the trees, but the fruit was 
practically clean, whereas on adjoiping trees which had not been 
sprayed nearly all of the pears were very badly infested with these 
scales. There was, however, a singular exception to this: A LeConte 
pear tree that stood in the midst of several Bartlett and Winter Nelis 
pear trees, which were very badly infested with the San José scale, was, 


29 


wholly free from this pest. Nor is this an isolated case, since I saw 
the same thing in another pear orchard located several miles from this 
one. Mr. Richardson informs me, however, that the fruit of this tree 
is almost worthless. 

Wishing to test the effects of the above wash on growing trees, I 
sprayed a prune, peach, apricot, apple, and orange tree on the 12th day 
of May, between the hours of 10 and 11 a. m., sun shining, light breeze. 
I examined these on the 11th of June; on the prune all of the fruit had 
dropped off, and upon one-third of the leaves were dead brown spots, 
these spots not exceeding one-sixth of the entire surface of any of the 
leaves; on the peach all of the fruit was dead, but still clinging to the 
tree, and half the leaves had brown spots in them, these leaves being 
much more injured than were those on the prune tree; on the apricot 
the fruit was not injured in the least and three-fourths of the leaves 
were uninjured, but the remaining leaves had small brown spots in 
them, these spots not exceeding one-fifteenth of the surface on any of 
the leaves; on the apple all of the fruit had dropped off and half the 
leaves had large brown spots in them, these spots sometimes exceeding 
one-half of the entire surface of the leaf; on the orange nearly all of 
the fruit had dropped off (the young oranges being about half an inch 
in diameter), but the leaves were uninjured. 

This indicates that of the different kinds of fruit thus experimented 
upon the apricot was the hardiest and was the least affected by the 
wash ; next to the apricot is the orange, then the prune, after this the 
peach, the apple having suffered most from the effect of the wash. 

The orange tree experimented upon was infested with the Yellow 
scale (Aspidiotus citrinus), and also with the Black scale (Lecanium olew 
Bernard), and all of these, as well as the eggs of the Black scale, were 
destroyed by the wash. 

According to the scale of prices furnished me by the Los Angeles 
Soap Company of this city, the material for making 100 gallons of the 
above wash, when purchased in large quantities, would amount to $1.14, 
being but a trifle over 1 cent a gallon for the diluted wash. 

The materials used in preparing the above wash are the same as 
those I used in spraying orange trees last season for the destruction of 
the Ked scale (Aspidiotus aurantit Maskell), an account of which is 
given in my report to Professor Riley for last year, published in Bulle- 
tin No. 22 of the Division of Entomology (pp. 10-14); but the spray I 
then used was only three-fifths as strong as the one I used for the de- 
struction of the San José scale as above described. On the 19th of 
December I tested the spray of the same strength that I had used 
for the Red scale on orange trees, but it did not prove fatal to all of 
the San José scales that it came in contact with. 

The question as to the manner 1n which the above resin spray proves 
fatal to the scale insects—whether the caustic property imparted by the 
caustic soda is the destructive agent, or whether it is the suffocating 


30 


eftect of the resin and fish oil saponified by the caustic soda that pro- 
duces this result—is a very important one. Quite a number of our 
fruit growers were at first inclined to believe that it is the caustic prop- 
erty of the wash that destroys the scale insect, and they therefore in- 
creased the quantity of this particular ingredient, only to find that the 
wash so constituted is not apparently more fatal to the insects, while 
at the same time it is very liable to injure the fruit. My own studies 
and experiments lead me to believe that the above sprays kill for the 
most part by suffocation. In the course of experimenting I found that 
a wash composed of the following ingredients: 


(ORI NO SINETS ES paanise oe oossoc Cans saadoo coucmadan sooo cee see pounds... 8 
IRGSI 2 oe siocissc oes oes, eae ase hon neon eae ne cee a= doxs2 08 
Water enough to make -.......- Boe oF Oreos gallons.. 100 


did not prove fatal to as large a percentage of Red scale as did one con- 
sisting of: 


CREO) oti bin cedode bon cadeSes Joan casasbbedo Scsbid6on sbO4¢ pounds... 6 
INU GSO GEA. Sans Bae SIRE OA DOORN bases Hiden Saaganao besos CaOnSeSss CWSae5 PAY 
PIS) Ole poecsoemccas Scbane seen cecedo coon esse doo Ghecoss ase pints... 3 
Water enough tocmake!<-s- is. <5 cases cesses ee en ees esse gallons.. 100 


Now, if it is the caustic property of the wash that proves fatal to the 
scale insects, it is evident that the wash containing the largest amount 
of the caustic agent would prove fatal to the largest number of scale 
insects, but the reverse of this was really the case; the wash containing 
the smallest amountof the caustic agent, the caustic property of which 
was still further lessened by the addition of the oil, proved fatal to the 
largest number of the insects. On the other hand, the addition of the 
oil, while reducing the caustic property of the wash, would increase its 
varnishing qualities, since it is a fact well-known to painters that the 
addition of oil to a varnish improves its qualities. For these reasons 
it seems quite certain that it is the suffocating properties of the wash 
and not its caustic nature that cause it to prove fatal to the scale insects 
which have been sprayed with it. 

I have seen orange trees that had been sprayed with a wash so caustic 
that it killed fully nine-tenths of the leaves on the trees, burnt the bark 
brown, and caused nearly all the oranges to drop off, and yet quite a 
number of the Red scale insects located on the oranges still remaining 
on the tree were alive. This will show the utter uselessuess of attempt- 
ing to destroy the Red scale on citrus trees by the use of caustic washes. 


THE LIME, SALT, AND SULPHUR WASH FOR THE SAN JOSE SCALE. 


For destroying the San José scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus Comstock) 
on dormant deciduous fruit trees many growers in this State use a wash 
composed of the following ingredients in the proportions here given : 


Salphunye Ps ssc ote sess =e ceaer as See eee ae eeieee ats pounds.. 33 
WGN tcp see ot =o cess ertcee cine eciee AOe Oleae eee ee Seine doz -< 42 
Silt.s. sarrieieccns- cols wonece ee ie celee ee ce ee eee Eee sae do22 sree 


Water enough to make......--.,--- cece Spo cao nooranecar gallons.. 100 


31 


All the sulphur and half of the lime are placed in a kettle and 33 
gallons of water added, after which the contents of the kettle are boiled 
briskly for about 1 hour; the solution will then be of a very dark brown 
color and having a reddish tint. All of the salt is added to the remain- 
ing 21 pounds of lime and the latter slaked, after which this slaked 
lime and salt are added to the above described sulphur and lime solu- 
tion and the whole then diluted with a sufficient quantity of water to 
make 100 gallons; this is then strained, after which it is ready to be 
sprayed upon the trees. 

This does not form a perfectly liquid solution but contains a consid- 
erable quantity of undissolved sulphur and lime, which soon settles to 
the bottom unless the solution is stirred almost constantly while being 
sprayed on the trees. It is therefore somewhat of the nature of a thin 
whitewash, and the trees sprayed with it have the appearance of hay- 
ing been whitewashed. On the 26th of November, at 12:45 p. m., sun 
shining, light breeze, I sprayed a pear tree with a wash made according 
to the above directions, the tree being very thickly infested with the 
San José scale. January 15 I found 14 living San José scales on this 
tree, and on the 23d of April I found several more; on the 11th of 
June I found on this tree a Black scale (Lecanium olew Bernard) con- 
taining healthy eggs. 

I also tested this wash in the following proportions ; 


Sm Tere elo nts retctn stein oeiniele's orale ats, is) Aeleedajsieriseins Bene sae <= pounds.. 50 
ILA Behe Seca pec neO Oberon BOSH OSS Dot SORaonE NO Ee eae HorSpetnas do... -63 
Sli ocano os6G00 sso S6eneedan esooDd bOOD0e RobSSdioDeses caso naeE CWscse Bi 
Wyiiterzen Gum bh tonm ale ceca oss seisinisioreielao ae iaierte sicialcl ae gallons.. 100 


This was applied to a pear tree at 1 p. m., November 26, sun shining, 
light breeze. On January 15 I found 6 living San José scales on this 
tree, and on the 23d I found several more. 

At the time of making these tests there were several green leaves on 
each of these trees, but all of these were killed by the washes. The 
trees otherwise were not apparently injured, and in the following spring 
started into a vigorous growth which was continued throughout the 
summer. These trees were not over 10 feet tall, and were very thor- 
oughly sprayed, so if seems quite certain that every scale insect located 
upon them must have been covered with the wash. 

The philosophy of this wash is not at present clearly understood. 1 
seems very probable however that the product of the lime and sulphur 
(bisulphide of lime, CaS.) furnishes the insecticidal property, and the 
presence of the salt and slaked lime simply imparts permanency to the 
-wash. I made quite a series ef experiments with the above-named in- 
gredients, with a view of ascertaining which of the ingredients were 
really insecticides, but these experiments have thus far resulted nega- 
tively. The following is a brief account of these experiments : 

SAL1?.—Experiment 229: Table salt, 19 pounds; water, 100 gallons. 
I simply dissolved the salt in cold water and then sprayed the solution 


32 


on a pear tree at 12:50 p. m., November 26, sun shining, light breeze. 
This did not kill all of the green leaves that were upon the tree. Jan- 
uary 15 I found a great many living San José scales on this tree. 

Experiment 228: Salt, 38 pounds; water, 100 gallons. Dissolved the 
salt in water as before and sprayed on a pear tree at noon, November 26, 
sun shining, light breeze. This killed all of the green leaves that were 
upon the tree. January 15, I found many living San José scales on this 
tree. 

Experiment 257: Salt, 60 pounds; water, 100 gallons. Dissolved the 
salt as before and sprayed on a pear tree at 10 a. m., January 20, sun 
shining, light breeze. April 23, I found a great many living San José 
scales on this tree. 

SALT AND LiME.—Experiment 238: Salt, 25 pounds; slaked lime, 
84 pounds; water, 100 gallons. The salt and lime were added to the 
cold water, stirred occasionally, and strained through a piece of Swiss 
muslin and then sprayed upon a pear tree at 10:30 a. m., January 30, 
sun shining, light breeze. April 23 I found a great many living San 
José scales on this tree. 

SALT AND SULPHUR.—Experiment 232: Salt, 25 pounds; sulphur, 
75 pounds; water, enough to make 100 gallons. The sulphur was boiled 
for an hour in 75 gallons of water, after which the salt was added, and 
the solution diluted with a sufficient quantity of cold water to make 100 
gallons. After standing for a few minutes the greater portion of the 
sulphur settled to the bottom, making it necessary to stir the solution 
almost constantly while applying it to the tree. Sprayed on a pear tree 
at 2:45 p. m., November 26, sun shining, light breeze; this killed all of 
the green leaves on the tree. January 15 I found a great many living 
San José scales on this tree. 

SuLPHUR.—Experiment 233: Sulphur, 100 pounds; water, enough to 
make 100 gallons. Placed the sulphur in the water and boiled for 1 
hour, then when cold, sprayed the solution on a pear tree at 3 p.m. 
November 26, sun shining, light breeze. This did not injure any of the 
green leaves that were on the tree. January 15 I found a great many 
living San José scales on this tree, a smaller proportion being killed 
than in either of the preceding experiments. 

LimE.—Experiment 239: Slaked lime, 10 pounds; water, enough 
to make 100 gallons. The lime was placed in the water, stirred occa- 
sionally and in two hours the solution was strained through a piece of 
thin Swiss muslin and sprayed upon a pear tree at 10:45 a. m. January 
20, sun shining, light breeze. April 23, I found a great many living 
San José scales on this tree. 

LIME AND SULPHUR.—Experiment 240: Quicklime (CaO), 100 
pounds; sulphur, 334 pounds; water, enough to make 100 gallons. 
Placed the lime and sulphur ina copper vessel, added 30 gallons of 
water, and boiled for two hours, then filtered. The solution was of a deep 
orange-red color. After standing for a few minutes needle-like crystals 


Jo 


somewhat resembling the down on the seeds of thistles separated out. 
These were composed of bisulphide of lime (CaS,) and being freely solu- 
ble in water, were dissolved when the balance of the water was added. 
In this action all of the sulphur had been incorporated with the lime, 
since the residue when dried would not ignite. Added a sufficient 
quantity of water to the above solution and sprayed an apple tree with 
it at 10:30 a. m. Mareh 18, sun shining, light breeze. 

About 14 hours after making the above experiment it began to rain 
very gently and this was continued for 24 hours. April 23, I found a 
great many living San José scales on this tree. At the time of making 
the above test I also sprayed some of the solution on a branch of a 
peach tree in full blossom, but this did not appear to produce any in- 
jurious effect upon the blossom, since at the time of my visit on the 
23d of April this branch bore as many peaches as did any of those L 
had not sprayed. It seems almost certain that the rain, coming on so 
soon after the wash was applied, rendered neutral the effect of the 
above solution on the scale insects sprayed with it. I have seen 
orange trees that had been sprayed with the resin wash on a certain 
day and a rain occurred during the night following the application ; 
but the wash did not prove fatal to nearly as large a percentage of the 
red scales as would bave been the case had no rain occurred. 

On the same day that the above test was made (March 18), I also 
tried the above mentioned lime and sulphur solution at half strength, 
but it did not produce any apparent effect upon the San José scales 
infesting the tree sprayed with it.. It was now too late in the season 
to make additional tests of this solution, but [ hope to be able to fol- 
low up this subject during the coming winter. 

From the above experiments it would appear that neither lime, salt, 
nor sulphur when used separately are effectual in destroying the San 
José scale; and the same is true in regard to any two of them when 
used in combination, except, perhaps, the lime and sulphur, which have 
not as yet been sufficiently tested. It is very probable, however, that 
these two ingredients give to the wash its insecticidal property, while 
the addition of the slaked lime and salt simply impart stability to the 
wash, rendering it less liable to be washed off the trees by the winter 
rains. Should this surmise prove correct, then the directions given at 
the head of this article for preparing this wash should be changed, an 
equal number of pounds of lime being required with the 33 pounds of 
sulphur, instead of only 21 pounds of lime, as at present used. 

I experienced considerable difficulty in preparing and applying this 
wash, owing to the fact that some of the materials used are not solu- 
ble in water, necessitating an almost constant stirring of the solution 
while it is being sprayed upon the trees. On this account it is quite im- 
possible to spray it uniformly upon all of the trees, and this difficulty 
has also been experienced by each of our fruit-growers who have used it 
and with whom [ have conversed upon the subject, or who have written 

25910—Bull. 2 3 


34 


to me in regard to it. Some of the trees sprayed by this solution 
would be very much whitened, as if whitewashed, whereas other trees 
sprayed from the same tank as these would be scarcely discolored by 
the wash. Itis, of course, the slaked lime added to the solution that 
causes it to give the trees the appearance of having been whitewashed, 
since neither the salt nor the sulphur discolor the tree to any appreci- 
able extent, and the same is true of the bisulphite of lime, which is pro- 
duced by boiling the quicklime and sulphur together. 

The cost of 100 gallons of this wash according to prices furnished me 
by Howell & Craig, wholesale grocers, of this city, for the sulphur and 
salt, and by the Southern California Lumber Company, also of this 
city, for the lime, is as follows, the materials being purchased in large 
quantities : 


Sulphur, so pountds;av2+ cents per pounds jas) 1 os sass eee eee $0. 70 
Lame, 42 pounds, ati, ofa cent per pound 2... 44-52 s2-- eee eee 533 
Salt,2o pounds, ab op) Of a) Cont per pound.)-se eee e-=s eae eee silil 

Dotalsssscmsnssuthecccksees se ckuas as tose teccee wes ceemerneeers $1.14 


The salt quoted aboveisapoor grade, such as is used for salting hides, 
and the price quoted is by the ton; the sulphur is in sacks, and the 
lime in barrels containing about 220 pounds each. 

Of the two washes above described—the resin, caustic soda, and fish 
oil, and the lime, salt, and sulphur washes—the one containing resin is 
greatly to be preferred. Not only is this wash easier to prepare than 
the other, but it is also much easier to apply it to the trees, since it is 
perfectly soluble in water and therefore does not require to be stirred 
while being sprayed upon the trees. For this reason more uniform re- 
sults will be obtained by its use than would be obtained by using the 
sulphur wash. Moreover, the resin wash, by being properly diluted, 
can ‘also be used in the summer season, and thus only one wash need be 
used at any time of the year. In my own experiments better results 
were obtained by the use of the resin wash than were produced by the 
sulphur wash. The price per gallon of each of these washes is about 
the same. The sulphur wash should never be used on trees in leaf nor 
on those just starting to leaf out, and this is also true of the resin wash 
when made according to the formula given in the preceding article. 


MISCELLANEOUS EXPERIMENTS. 


CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE (also known as mercuric chloride, HgCl2).— 
Some time ago one of the Horticultural Commissioners of San Ber- 
nardino County remarked to me that he had used a simple solution of 
corrosive sublimate for the purpose of destroying various kinds of scale 
insects on nursery trees, and had obtained very good results by the 
use of the same; and it was also reported in some of the San Diego 
papers that a gentleman living in that county had obtained better re- 
sults by the use of a solution of the above kind than he had by using 
any other kind of insecticide for the destruction of the black scale. 


35 


Thinking the subject worthy of investigation, I made a few experi- 
ments with this substance, but the results were far from being satis- 
factory. I dissolved the sublimate in cold water by frequent stirring ; 
this required about 15 minutes, and the solution was of a dark bluish- 
gray color. Following is a brief account of these experiments: 

(224) Corrosive sublimate, 24 ounces; water 100 gallons. Sprayed 
on an orange tree infested with the red scale at 3 p. m., October 10, sun 
shining, light breeze. November 13, leaves and fruit uninjured; found 
great many living red scales on this tree. 

(223) Corrosive sublimate, 44 ounces; water, 100 gallons. Sprayed 
on an orange tree at 2:30 p. m., October 10, sun shining, light breeze. 
November 13, leaves and fruit aeqareon found great many living red 
scales on this tree. 

(236) Corrosive sublimate, 1; pounds; water, 100 gallons. Sprayed 
on a dormant pear tree infested with the San José scale at 10 a. m., 
December 31, sun shining, light breeze. February 3, found a great 
many living San José scales on this tree. 

The price in this city of the corrosive sublimate in 10-pound lots is 
at the rate of $1.40 per pound; at this rate the strongest solution I 
used (experiment 236) would cost about $1.63 per 100 gallons. I did 
not test a stronger solution than this, since its cost alone would prevent 
its being extensively used. 

GLUE.—For the purpose of testing this substance as an insecticide 
for the destruction of the red scale on citrus trees I made a few experi- 
ments with it, but with very unsatisfactory results. The grade I used 
is of a light brown color, not the white, nor yet the poorest grade, but 
such as is used by cabinet-makers. To dissolve the glue I simply boiled 
it in water, and it dissolved in about 10 minutes. Following is a brief 
account of these experiments: 

(227) Glue, 44 pounds; water 100 gallons. Sprayed on an orange 
tree infested with the red scale at 4:30 p. m., October 11, sun shining, 
light breeze. November 13, leaves and fruit uninjured; found great 
many living red scales on this tree. 

(226) Glue, 8.1 pounds; water 100 gallons. Sprayed on an orange 
tree at 4p. m., October 11, sun shining, light breeze. November 13, 
leaves and fruit uninjured; found great many living red scales on this 
tree. 

(225) Glue 124 pounds; water 100 gallons. Sprayed on an orange 
tree at 3:30 p. m., October 11, sun shining, light breeze. November 13, 
leaves and fruit uninjured; found great many living red scales on this 
tree. 

In this city (Los Angeles) the price of glue of the above grade in 10- 
pound lots is at the rate of 50 cents perpound; at this rate the strongest 
solution I used (experiment 225) will cost $6.25 per 100 gallons. This, 
of course, is much too expensive for ordinary use as an insecticide, and 
for this reason I did not test a stronger solution. 


36 


ALOES.—Dr. M. F. Bishop, of Alameda, the owner of a large orchard 
of deciduous fruit trees in the vicinity of San José, in the northern 
part of the State, gave me a package of aloes, with the request to test 
it on the scale insects infesting citrus trees. Accordingly I made a 
few tests with it, simply dissolving the aloes in cold water, straining 
thé solution through a piece of Swiss muslin, and then spraying it 
upon the tree. The aloes is not readily soluble in cold water, and 4 
days were required for it to dissolve, being occasionally stirred during 
this time. The experiments are as follows: 

(243) Aloes, 124 pounds; water, 100 gallons. Sprayed en an orange 
tree infested with the yellow scale (Aspidiotus citrinus) at 10:30 a. mn., 
March 22, sun shining, light breeze. April 23, leaves and fruit unin- 
jured; found many living yellow scales on this tree. 

(242) Aloes, 25 pounds; water, 100 gallons. Sprayed on an orange 
tree at 10 a. m., March 22, sun shining, light breeze. April 23, leaves 
and fruit uninjured; found several living yellow scales both on the 
leaves and {fruit of this tree. 

The price of the aloes in large quantities is at the rate of 16 cents 
per pound; at this rate the strongest solution I used (experiment 242) 
would cost $4 per 100 gallons. At this strength (25 pounds of aloes to 
100 gallons water) it proved fatal to a large percentage of the scale 
insects, and doubtless if it had been used one-half stronger it would 
have been entirely effectual; but the high price of a solution of the 
latter strength would prevent its being used on a large scale. 


REPORT OF EXPERIMENTS WITH RESIN COMPOUNDS ON 
PHYLLOXERA, AND GENERAL NOTES ON CALIFORNIA 
INSECTS. 


By ALBERT KOEBELE. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


ALAMEDA, CAL., October 20, 1890. 
Sir: T herewith submit report upon experiments, chiefly with resin compounds, on 
Phy 'loxera vastatrir, and observations made during the year. 
Very respectfully, 
ALBERT KOEBELF, 
Field Agent. 
Prof. C. V. RILEy, 
U. S. Entomologist. 


By your direction a series of experiments was carried on, chiefly with 
resin compounds, upon the Phylloxera in Sonoma Valley during Septem- 
ber and the beginning of October. 

In preparing the compounds the following were used: Bicarbonate 
of soda, sal soda, and Greenbank’s caustic soda, 98 per cent. Three 
pounds are required of the former to dissolve 4 pounds of resin prop- 
erly, or, in other words, to make a resin soap; 1 pound of the latter is 
sufficient to dissolve 10 pounds of resin or even 11, but I did not sue- 
ceed in dissolving 12 pounds, as parts of the resin would always re- 
main. In repeated and careful trials this could not be overcome. 

The results showed somewhat in favor of the bicarbonate of soda as 
far as to destruction of the insects, but the price has to be considered. 
Next to this seems to be the emulsion prepared with caustic soda, but 
it is a difficult matter to decide which will work best without carrying 
on an extensive series of trials. Itis safe to say, however, that the 
results will not vary greatly. 

One pound of resin was used to each 10 pints of compound, and 
this again was diluted with water at a strength of 1 pound of resin in 
24 gallons of water, up to 1 pound in 37$ gallons of water—one part of 
compound in thirty parts of water. This compound will, as has been 
previously stated, do effective work on unprotected Aphids, 7. e., such 


as are not covered with cottony or mealy exudations, at one part in 
37 


38 


fifteen parts of water, or 1.pound of resin in about 16 gallons of water. 
(The former mixtures were somewhat stronger; 1 pound of resin in 
9 pints of liquid.) The action upon the Phylloxera is much more 
marked and with a mixture of one part of compound in thirty parts of 
water the insects, if immersed for a few seconds only and left exposed, 
will die, notwithstanding this solution will not adhere to parts of the 
roots, not having at this strength the required penetrating power which 
a sufficiently strong solution, say about 1 pound resin in 15 gallons of 
water, has, and more so than any other insecticide I know of. The 
experiments were made on 25-year-old Tokay vines (the only ones re-— 
maining that have withstood the ravages of the Phylloxera), in loamy 
soil, which was completely dry and hard at this time of the year, no 
moisture being noticeable until a depth of from 10 to 12 inches below 
the surface was reached. ' 

In all cases the ground was removed te a depth of about 6 inches, 
forming a hole 4 feet in diameter. Ten gallons of the solution, it was 
observed, penetrated here to 12 inches in depth around the roots where 
the hole was deepest, or about 18 inches from original surface of ground, 
and most of the insects were destroyed to about 16 inches in depth, if 
the 10 gallons contained 4 pints of compound. In the later experiments 
these holes were made only about 2 feet in diameter, and nearly if not 
the same results were obtained with only half the amount or 5 gallons 
of the mixture. This is more practical, as the chief roots only are 
reached and the solution can be used so much stronger. The less 
solution required the better, providing it will do the work, for at 10 gal- 
lons to each plant this would mean 7,000 gallons or over per acre. If 
the solution is applied at another time of the year, say early spring, 
when rain is still expected, the results undoubtedly will be still more 
favorable. I have had excellent results with solutions prepared with 
caustic soda by using 4 pints of this to 16 pints of water only and ap- 
plying 5 gallons of water soon after and 5 gallons the following day. 
This destroyed the Phylloxera to nearly the depth the fluid reached. 
Thus it wili be seen if a small amount of the mixture, sufficiently strong, 
be applied in early spring the following rains will do the rest. As it 
was, with the dry soil, the 4 pints of compound in 10 gallons of diluent 
did better work than the same amount of compound in only 5 gallons, 
‘for the simple reason that it penetrated farther and thus reached more 
of the insects in sufficient strength to kill. It must also be remembered 
that a completely dry soil will take up a large amount of the 1.quid, 
whereas in a moist soil this is not the case. 

The compounds were prepared as formerly, sal soda 3 pounds, resin 4 
pounds, dissolved together with 1 quart of water, and water added 
slowly while boiling to make 40 pints. The caustic soda, which comes 
in 10-pound tin cans, is dissolved in 4 gallons of water, after which 4 
gallons more should be added. This lye will dissolve 100 pounds of 
resin and make 125 gallons of compound, sufficient for 250 plants, and 


39 


costing at wholesale in San Francisco (T. W. Jackson & Co., No. 104 
Market street) $2.50. This is sufficiently strong, and to use more is 
unnecessary, as it was found that even 3 pints of the emulsion to the 
plant would do the work. 

1 will give herea receipt for preparing the cheapest compound. This 
is with common caustic soda, such as is sold at wholesale at about 5 
cents per pound: 


Caustic soda, 77 per cent......-.---. Bence eoacesccae costes pounds.. 5 
ISGSHIG, DSS ace iee SOS OOO e CRE epee PSs SATS SSs SES Ae aaa There do... 40 
Wake nibOnmn ace Seacrs natant sae stotsirepe tee tee ait ite me gallons.. 50 


First the soda should be dissolved over fire with 4 gallons of water, 
then the resin added and dissolved properly, after which the required 
water can be given slowly while boiling to make the 50 gallons of com- 
pound. This will make 500 gallons of the diluent, sufficient for 100 
plants, and costing about $4 cents. 

While a much weaker solution would kill the Phylloxera, this is 
recommended, as it also destroys their eggs effectively. Below are 
given the results of some of the experiments to show the effects of 
various strengths. Most of these have been duplicated or tried upon 
several plants. A small mite (Tyroglyphus sp.), always very abundant 
among the Phylloxera, and, as a rule, feeding upon the sap of the 
roots, yet from numerous empty skins appearing to feed also upon the 
lice, was in no case injured by these resin washes. 


CoMPOUND No. 1.—Bicarbonate of soda, 3 pounds ; resin, 4 pounds, and 
water to make 40 pints, costing 15 cents. 


Compound, 1 gallon; water, 6 gallons; in holes 4 feet in diameter. 
Destroyed insects to about 12 inches in depth from original surface, as 
well as the eggs of the same, which became dark in color. 

Compound, one-half gallon; water, 4 gallons. Destroyed all insects 
where they were reached (occasionally a living one running about). 

Compound, 1 part; water, 10 parts; about 10 gallons of the fluid 
used. This will destroy all lice and their eggs completely to 12 inches 
from original surface, but not deeper. 

Compound, 1 part; water, 12 parts; 9? gallons used. Twenty-four 
hours after application some of the solution remained still on top, and 
on examining 6 days later it was found that it had penetrated the ground 
to 12 inches from original surface. Much of the solution had evap. 
orated and left a brown scum (dry soap) on top. It will also destroy 
most, if not all, of the eggs. 

Compound, 1 part; water, 14 parts. Three and three-fourths gallons 
of the diluent in holes 2 feet in diameter killed the insects to 8 inches 
in depth, or 14 inches from original surface. 

Compound, 1 part; water, 16 parts; 83 gallons diluent. Occasion- 
ally a living insect found and large numbers of mites on the nearly 
dead vines. 


40 


Compound, 1 part; water, 18 parts ; 93 gallons diluent; examined 5 
days after. Nearly alltheinsects dead to 14 inches in depth, but most of 
the eggs looked bright yellow and no doubt will hatch. Behind the 
thick bark near the top, where apparently the solution did not penetrate, 
a number of young lice were found alive. 

Compound, 1 part; water, 20 parts; 104 gallons diluent; in holes 
4 feet in diameter. An examination 5 days later showed the fluid 
had penetrated the ground on plants 154 or 20 inches from original 
surface. All the insects were destroyed 13 inches in depth and but 
very few living 3inchesdeeper. This solution seems to work best of all 
this series, but it is doubtful if the eggs will be affected by it. 


ComMPounD No. 2.—Caustic soda, 98 per cent., 1 pound ; resin, 10 pounds ; 
water to make 124 gallons ; compound costing 25 cents. 


Compound, 4 pints; water, 4 pints; in hole 4 feet in diameter; 5 
gallons of water added 1 hour later and the same quantity next day. 
Very few dead insects were found upon this plant, and none living. 
Not sufficient to show proper result. 

Compound, 4 pints; water, 2 gallons; 5 gallons of water added 1 hour 
after and 5 gallons the following day. Examined plants 7 days later. 
result very satisfactory, hardly any living phylloxera as far as the fluid 
reached. After examination 5 gallons more water were added and 
again examined a week later, when no living insects could be found to 
a depth of 18 inches. 

Compound, 4 pints; water, 10 gallons. Destroyed insects to about 8 
inches in depth and but few below this. 

Holes only 2 feet in diameter; 5 gallons of water in same first, and 
solution 1 hour later in the four succeeding experiments. 

Compound, 4 pints; water, 45 gallons; examined 15 days later. De- 
stroyed insects and eggs as well, which had become very dark. Occa- * 
sionally a live specimen running about. 

Compound, 3 pints; water, 44 gallons. Examined 13 days later and 
found all insects dead that had been reached. 

Compound, 24 pints; water, 373 pints. Hxamined13 days later. A . 
piece of root about 10 inches deep one-halfinch in diameter by 6 inches 
long and completely covered with phylloxera showed but one single 
living young, probably hatched from egg after application. 

Compound, 2 pints; water, 435 gallons; also examined at the end of 
13 days. All insects to 8 inches below ground or 14 inches below orig- 
inal surface were destroyed, as well as a large part of the eggs. Oc- 
casionally a living young was found wandering about. 

Four other experiments were made with this compound, using 1, 2, 3, 
and 4 pints in 20 of the solution, the ground having 4 hours previously 
been saturated with 5 gallons of water in each case. Examined 12 days 
after; results were not good with 1 pint but were progressively better 
with the other three. Applied 4 gallons more water on plants where 3 


Al 


and 4 pints had been used, and found 2 days later that this additional 
water still increased the effect. 

In addition to this a number of plants were treated with this compound 
to note the results next spring. The holes were made 2 feet in diameter, 
and after the solution had disappeared the wet ground from the outside 
was placed around the plant and the hole closed again. The experi- 
ments were: Five pints of compound in 5 gallons of the solution, four 
plants; 4 pints of compound in 5 gallons of the solution, eight plants ; 
3 pints of compound in 5 gallons of the solution, ten plants; and 2 pints 
of compound in 5 gallons of the solution, ten plants. 


CompounD No. 3.—Caustie soda, 98 per cent, 1 pound ; resin, 8 pounds ; 
and water to make 10 gallons of compound, costing 22 cents. 


Compound, 4 pints; water, 74 gallons. Examined 6 days later; result 
good. 

Compound, 4 pints; water, 10 gallons. Examined 6 days later and 
found result favorable. 

Compound, 3 pints; water, 75 pints. Found only part of insects de- 
stroyed 6 days later. 

Compound, 3 pints; water, 90 pints. There were not enough insects 
upon this plant to deduce fair results, which would no doubt be very 
poor. 


Compound No. 4.—Sal soda, 3 pounds; resin, 4 pounds ; and water to 
make 5 gallons of compound ; costing 11 cents. 


Compound, 4 pints; water, 74 gallons. Examined 5 days later and 
found all insects killed except a few living on a plant under thick bark, 
where solution apparently did not penetrate. 

Compound, 4 pints; water, 10 gallons. Examined 5 days later and 
found insects dead to 12 inches in depth from original surface, with only 
occasionally a live one walking about. 

Compound, 3 pints; water, 75 pints. On examining, 5 days later, 
only the insects near surface were found dead. 

Compound, 4 pints; water, 15 gallons. This destroyed only partly 
the lice near the top. 

The following four experiments were made with this compound, the 
ground having been previously soaked with 4 gallons of water : 

Compound, 3 pints; water, 21 pints. Examined 12 days later. Did 
not show good results, as part of the insects were found alive. Twice 
the amount of water with the same quantity of compound will do much 
better work. 

Compound, 3 pints; water, 33 pints. Examined 12 days later and 
found results fairly good. Only a few living ones were running about. 

Compound, 2 pints; water, 30 pints. On examination numerous live 
insects were found, but more than half were killed. 


42 


Compound, 2 pints; water 38 pints. Result about the same as in 
preceding experiment. 

These four experiments were repeated and the water added (3 gal- 
lons) 2 hours after instead of before application of emulsion. The re- 
sults in this case were much more satisfactory, destroying most of the 
eggs in the two first experiments and nearly all of the phylloxera in the 
two last to a depth of about 10 inches. 


GENERAL NOTES. 


It was probably owing to the unusually heavy rainfall during last 
winter that insects were comparatively scarce in the early part of the 
season. At least no complaint was noticed or heard during this time. 
While a large number would undoubtedly be destroyed by weeks of 
excessive rains and floods, yet there are such as are not or only slightly 
affected by this element. I may cite here, for instance, such species the 
eggs of which are found upon trees and shrubs during the winter months 
as well as the eggs of locusts usually deposited on dry hillsides. Ona 
visit to Sonoma county during May, the larve of Clistocampa were ex- 
tremely abundant. Two species were found, namely, C. constricta and 
C. thoracica. The first species predominated in numbers, and while 
usually feeding upon deciduous oaks was also found upon Live Oak and 
Quercus agrifolia as wellas various shrubs. In confinement these larvie 
were furnished with food consisting of leaves of Plum and Cherry, but 
for three days they would not feed upon these and readily attacked the 
leaves of Live Oak which were given them, and upon these they were 
raised. CO. thoracica, which is the species defoliating various fruit trees, 
was found chiefly upon willows, but also upon oaks, and here again 
usually upon White Oak, upon which its eggs were found in October. 
This species was bred upon leaves of Prune and Cherry. 

At the end of May of the present year, I received from Mr. F. L. 
Washburn, entomologist of the experiment station at Corvallis, Ore- 
gon, a few Clisiocampa larve new to me. He said they were found 
feeding upon a species of Crataegus and were sent with leaves of apple, 
upon which I reared them. On my visit to Washington these larvz 
were met with at Tacoma, on June 8, within webs upon Alder (Alnus 
rubra), and again at Easton, during July, upon Willow. Near Tacoma 
IT also found what I took to be the larvee of C. thoracica very abundant 
upon Crategus, Alder, Hazel, and various other shrubs. Two of the 
larvie were taken to Easton, and one pupated and to my surprise pro- 
duced not the expected C. thoracica, but C. erosa Stretch. 

About 10 miles along the railroad in southern Oregon, about the be- 
ginning of June, larve and webs of one of these moths were seen in 
large quantities on dry hillsides upon Purshia tridentata DC., Ceanothus 
sp.,and also Wild Cherry. While crossing the Columbia River on 
steamer, June 8, at which time the water was very high, large numbers 
of these larve were observed floating upon the swift current and as 


43 


many as a dozen could be seen at one time, but of all the hundreds seen 
very few were dead. They were usually in a half circle and completely 
dry above and were carried off to be distributed safely along the shores. 
In both cases I had no opportunity to obtain specimens for identifica- 
tion. 

As to the parasites, so far two species of a small Chalcid were bred 
from 37 egg masses of C. constricta found within three hours while col- 
lecting Cynipid galls in Sonoma County during October. This species 
is preyed upon by Tachina flies, which are or have been, the present 
season, the chief agent in destroying them. From about two hundred 
grown larve collected but very few moths were obtained, the Tachina 
maggots issuing from the dying and spun-up larve in large numbers. 
No ground for their reception had been furnished in breeding cases and 
they pupated among the leaves and excrement. Atleast 80 per cent 
of these larvze were parasitized and but one of the flies has issued up 
to date. I also obtained one large cocoon of an Ichneumonid from 
larve in confinement and others were still found in nature during Sep- 
tember. 

C. thoracica was also infested by Tachina larve, but only about 
30 per cent. were destroyed by these maggots. Two species of the flies 
have come out so far. C. californica was noticed full of eggs of these 
flies and some had previously been bred. An Ichneumonid was ob- 
tained from young larve the present year. Professor Rivers, of 
Berkeley, informed me the end of April that he had previously ob- 
served one of these larvie at Bay View upon Willow, and accordingly 
a trip was made to that locality and this species was found as well as 
its tents, not alone upon Willow, but also on the scrubby Live Oaks 
growing there, Hazel, Wild Currant, Rhamnus californica, Blackberry, 
and other plants, showing that this species is not confined to Live Oak 
alone. 

No Tachina has yet been obtained from the species in Santa Cruz 
Mountains, nor have I observed any eggs, but larvee of this species 
placed upon Cherry and Prune at Alameda were badly attacked. The 
same species of Ichneumonid bred from larvee of C. californica has also 
been obtained from this. This species was observed upon Plum, Prune, 
Willow, Ceanothus and Cercocarpus. 

Two species of Ichneumonids were bred from the new species of the 
north, one from larve found at Tacoma, and the second from those 
found at Easton. 

I may mention one Noctuid larva as very destructive to buds, young 
fruit, and foliage of fruit trees, chiefly Apple, Pear, Plum, and Prune. 
This is Taniocampa, and I have full proof that the destruction of a 
large share of the buds and young fruit, so universally, yet incorrectly, 
attributed to birds on this coast, is due to this larvee. In the very 
early spring, often in February, these moths make their appearance 
from hibernated chrysalids and copulate, and the female deposits her 


44 


eggs, from two to three hundred or more, in crevices of bark. I found 
them in large numbers together, thrust deep into a place where one of 

he branches had broken off. The young larvee soon made their ap- 
pearance and in want of leaves began to feed upon buds and blossoms, 
and later on, as I have repeatedly observed on apple trees, upon the 
young fruit also. Within about 24 days these larve become full grown 
and enter the ground for pupation to remain in this state for nearly 11 
months. If only one or two early broods occur upon a single or- 
dinary tree, they will, in some cases, destroy most if not all the fruit 
buds before any leaves appear. The light green, white, variegated, and 
striped larvee at rest on the under side of leaves during the daytime 
are not, especially by an untrained eye, very readily discovered, and 
hence are overlooked and the more innocent bird is made responsible 
for the damage done. 

During April, 1888, when I had a peead of these larvee in confine. 
ment at Alameda, a common titmouse, Lophophanes inornatus Gamb., 
was noticed flying constantly to an old apple tree and carrying off 
dozens of these very larve to a hollow tree not far. distant, within 
which it had a nest with six young. These birds are quite plentiful 
at this time of the year and are the only enemy of this larva as yet 
observed. None of the numerous larve collected the present year 
appear to be parasitized. 

By jarring the trees in the early morning these larvee, especially the 
larger, will fallto the ground, and can readily be collected and destroyed. 
If the tree be only slightly shaken, all the mature larvie will drop. 

Caloptenus devastator, so well remembered since its outbreak in 1885, 
has again been on the increase the present season and is quite abun- 
dant in Sonoma County as well as around Alameda, where Camnula pel- 
lucida was equally as numerous. Aside from complaints in Sonoma 
County others were heard of in Yolo County. I quote from the Wood- 
land Democrat of September 11, 1590: 


For the past few weeks our farmers have been watching their alfalfa crops very 
closely. The Army Worm and the Grasshopper are both here, although not in such 
quantities as in the early days. In some eases the crops in young vineyards have 
been entirely destroyed by them. C. Eakle lost all his grapes by the grasshoppers 
and others have shared a like fate. In other cases the alfalfa crops have fared badly 
from the effects of the worm and the hopper. Mrs. P. Hannum had saved some alfalfa 
for seed, but the worm attacked it, and she was obliged to cut it for hay in order to 
save any of it. Mr. Hopkins, we understand, was caught in the same predicament, 
while the pastures of those who have lately irrigated and where the clover is just 
beginning to grow nice and green are full of the hoppers, and the worms have also 
attacked many others. 


As yet no specimens from the above locality can be obtained, but it 
is more than likely that the injury was caused by several species and 
the Devastating Locust among them. One favorable season, however, 
should no parasites appear, would again show a marked increase in 
destructive numbers, and local outbreaks may be expected the coming 
summer, 


ENTOMOLOGICAL NOTES FOR THE SEASON OF 1890. 


By Mary E. Murtrecpr. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL, 


Kirk woop, St. Louts County, Mo., 
- October 31, 1890. 
Sir: Inelosed please find summary of my notes on injurious insects for the present 
year, as observed throughout the season in St. Louis County, and as compiled from cor- 
respondence with and occasional visits to other sections of the State. As in preced- 
ing years, many thanks are due you fur yarious determinations and helpful sugges- 
tious, 
Respectfully, yours, 
Mary E. Mvunrrevpr. 
Prot Cr Vin KILEY, 
U. S. Entomologist. 


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 


The season of 1890 throughout the Mississippi Valley has been in 
many respects unusual. The winter months were characterized by a 
temperature much above the normal, by occasional very heavy rains, 
and, after the middle of January, by a prevalence of clouds and exces- 
sive moisture. Many shrubs, for example Forsythia, Cydonia, and 
Lilac bloomed in the open air about the holidays, while the buds of all 
fruit trees were much swollen, and peaches and apricots opened their 
blossoms in sheltered situations in February. During early March the 
mercury for the first time in the year dropped to the neighborhood of 
zero, and on the last day of the month occurred a phenomenal fail of 
snow. April also was cold and damp, and similar weather prevailed 
until the middle of May, the soil, except where drainage was excep- 
tionally good, being in poor condition for planting. With the first of 
June excessive heat set in, and for seven consecutive weeks the mercury 
was seldom below 90° I’. at midday, and usually approached or ex- 
ceeded 100°. This extreme heat was accompanied by an equally severe 
drought for the same length of time, scarcely mitigated by two or three 
very slight and very local showers. 

45 


7 


46 


That the effects of such a season should be plainly marked on insect 
life is not surprising. The following memoranda show considerable 
deviation from the records of preceding years. 

Chinch Bugs were not reported as injurious in any part of the State, 
and scarcely a specimen could be found during midsummer and early 
autumn. 

Canker Worms.—Very few, and found mostly in orchards or on trees 
standing somewhat above the general level. The male moths were fly- 
ing every month duzing winter, and an occasional female was also seen 
in January and February. Probably the severe cold of March destroyed 
a large proportion of the very young larvae, more perhaps by retarding 
the development of the apple leaves than by the direct effects of the 
cold. 

Of the few worms that were found later in the season taking their 
noonday siesta on the trunks and larger branches of the trees, quite a 
number were seen which had evidently been attacked by some Carabid 
or other predaceous species, the skin having been punctured and the 
fluids oozing out with every motion. All injured worms perished, but 
what the assailant was I was not able to discover. 

Cutworms (Agrotis and Hadena).—Vegetable gardens in the spring 
enjoyed an immunity from these pests that was most welcome to the 
gardener. This was probably due to the fact that some of the most. 
destructive species hibernate in the larva state, and the degree of cold 
not being sufficient to reduce them to complete dormancy they perished 
of starvation and dampness or fell victims to the birds, which remained 
with us in greater numbers than is usually the case. My memoranda 
show that very few Noctuid moths of any kind were taken at light 
previous to the middle of August. To this scarcity of Noctuid pests 
there were, however, two notable exceptions—that of Gortyna nitela and 
Heliothis armigera, which have seldom committed so great injuries to 
certain crops as during the present year. About the middle of June 
many samples of young corn and potato stalks were sent me that were 
being bored by the first-named larva, and it was then reported from 
some localities—among others from Kidder, Missouri—as having de- 
stroyed fully one-half the crop of potatoes. Its injuries to young corn - 
were also extensive, but I have no data for making an estimate. It was 
also found in considerable numbers, when very small, in small grain. 
In this it could scarcely reach maturity, and probably migrated to the 
stalks of such more succulent plants as were conveniently near. In the 
case of the attack on potatoes a treatment with Paris green and flour 
was recommended, on the probability that in passing from one stalk to 
another the-worm would obtain a sufficient quantity of the poison to 
destroy it. Of the success of this experiment, if tried, I have not been 
informed. It did not occur in any noticeable numbers in the vicinity 
of Kirkwood. 

Heliothis armigera was very destructive on both early and late corn, 


47 


especially on the latter. In the southern part of the State it injured 
the tomato crop to a considerable extent. Spraying with Paris green 
and with other arsenical compounds was tried with considerable success 
previous to the ripening of the fruit, but there is considerable danger 
in its use and it is best to thoroughly drench the plants that have been 
treated with clear water a day or two after the use of the insecticide. 
Experiment on a limited scale shows that it can be kept from corn by 
the same remedies, but how far this would be practicable in the field 
_has not yet been demonstrated. 

The Striped Flea-beetles (Phyllotreta vittata and P. sinuata) did not ap- 

pear at all on early Crucifers, nor have they been observed in any con- 

iderable numbers in this vicinity at any time during the growing sea- | 
son. Whether this notable riddance was due to atmospheric conditions 
or to the scarcity of the fostering weeds, Lepidium and Arabis, I am not 
able to decide. 

The Corn Flea-beetle (Chetocnema pulicaria) was reported to me from 
various localities as unusually numerous and injurious. Mr. Falcon, of 
St. Clair County, feared that he should lose his first planting from its 
attacks, but from later accounts the plants recovered more rapidly 
than he had expected. 

The Plum Curculio was much reduced in numbers during winter, and 
as there was in this section, and indeed throughout the State, an almost 
entire failure of stone fruit crops, with the exception of the sour cher- 
ries, which the insect rarely attacks, there was very little of the work 
of the latter observed. A small proportion of the few early peaches 
that set were punctured, but that the midsummer drought prevented 
the development of the larvie was indicated by the fact that such late 
peaches as there were did not show a single one of the food punctures 
which commonly so disfigure them. On one tree which the previous 
year had suftered so much in this way that the fruit was absolutely 
worthless, was a single peach that reached perfection without one 
stroke from the beak of a curculio; and similar observations were 
made on other trees on which a very little fruit ripened. Nor was I 
able to find Conotrachelus breeding in apples, although during June 
and July I examined nearly six hundred specimens of fruit, a few of 
which showed punctures that might have been made for food. Should 
other conditions be favorable, I think, so far as this insect is concerned, 
we may predict for 1891 fine crops of stone fruits. 

Plant lice, always quite abundant in the spring, amounted this year 
almost to a scourge. Trees, shrubs, and herbs alike suffered, and for 
many plants there was no after-recovery. The species causing the most 
appreciable loss was probably the Grain Aphis (Siphonophora avene). It 
occurred throughcut the State on all small grain, even on rye, causing, 
undoubtedly, some shrinkage of that crop as well as of wheat, but its 
most disastrous attacks were on oats. About the middle of May farm- 
ers began to be alarmed for the safety of this crop, and subsequent 


48 


developments proved their fears to be well grounded. Letters of 
inquiry and packages of specimens came to me from all directions, and 
during a trip about the first of June, to Butler County, on the southern 
boundary of the State, I was able to observe for myself the dwarfed 
and sickly appearance of small grain everywhere along the railroad, 
attributable in all cases to the attacks of this insect. Shortly after- 
ward the outfields in St. Louis County and in many other localities 
were plowed up and replanted to corn, which, owing to the drought and 
to its own insect enemies, was, in its turn, a poor crop. The unusual 
prevalenceand unparalleled multiplication of Aphidide was undoubtedly 
due to to the scarcity of their natural enemies, both parasitic and pre. 
daceous. It was not until the middle of June that the larvie of Syrphi. 
de, Coccinellide, and Chrysopa became numerous, and, reénforced by 
parasites of the genera Aphidius and Trioxys, finally brought relief from 
the pests; too late, however, to prevent irreparable injury to many 
herbaceous crops, young fruit trees, and various sorts of shrubbery. 

A somewhat remarkable development of the season was the appear- 
ance in unusual numbers of many insects not often accounted noxious, 
and the reappearance of some species not observed in this locality for 
many years. : : 

Among the former may be mentioned the great abundance and variety 
of “ stinging” larvie, principally Limacodes. For the first time in my 
experience the beautiful larvee of Parasa chloris were so abundant on 
some young apricot trees in the orchard of one of our neighbors as to 
do great damage to the foliage. When full grown, three-fourths or 
more of an inch in length, thick, oblong, sub-eylindrical, gaily striped 
longitudinally in carmine red, purple, and bright yellow, the stinging 
spines concealed in the two rows of deflected bright yellow plumes that 
adorn the back, gliding with slow, graceful motion over the leaves, they 
were almost too ornamental to doom to destruction. As they were 
very voracious, however, the latter was a necessity of the case. Those 
that were preserved were fed to maturity on the leaves of Chickasaw 
plum, to which they were transferred without difficulty. 

Huclea querceti H.8., of the same form and size as P. chloris, but much 
less brilliantly colored, being of a dull, mottled green, with two or four 
dark purple-red spots on each side of the dorsum, and having the plu- 
mose spines pale green, appeared on Plum, Cherry, and Apple in the 
orchard, as well as on Sycamore, Post Oak, and Wild Cherry in the 
forest. It was not, however, in any destructive numbers on any fruit 
tree. < 

So far as coloration is concerned this larva varies greatly. The crim- 
son sub-dorsal spots, usually quite large when there are but two, are 
in some examples smaller and less conspicuous and are followed pos- 
teriorly by a second pair. The longitudinal ridges on which these are 
situated, and from which also proceed the larger urticating spines, 
vary in hue from pale pea green to yellow and bright orange. A second 


49 


variety was so distinet as to be described, previous to breeding, as 


another species. This is entirely of a pearly, translucent white color, 


with fine, wavy, purple lines, one on each side cof medio-dorsal space 
and two others lower down on each side inclosing the second row of 
spines, which, like the general surface, are translucent white. There is 
a large purple spot a little back of the middle on each side of the dor- 
sum. I have found this variety only on pear, and it is rather rare. 
The cocoon is spun among the leaves and does not differ in color, form, 
or texture from those of other Limacodes. The moth bred from this 
pale larva does not differ from those of typical querceti, being of a rich 
fustic brown, with bright green and velvety black ornamentation. In 
the size of the green and black spots and in general intensity of color 
a series of moths of this species also exhibit considerable variation. 

The almost equally beautiful and even more strikingly marked Saddle- 
back Caterpillar (Hmpretia stimulea) occurred in very unusual numbers 
on Plum, Pear, Chestnut, Maple, and Wisteria vine, doing considerable 
damage—especially during the semi-gregarious period, which continues 
to the third molt—to the foliage of the fruit trees attacked. 

Phobetron pithecitum and Limacodes scapha were other species of this 
group observed. 

Lagoa crispata was quite numerous on White Oak and Chestnut, and 
colonies of Saturnia io appeared on Corn and Sassafras and defoliated 
several rose bushes in our garden before we discovered the authors of 
the mischief. Altogether there was quite an array of * urticators,” 
and gloves were very necessary to preserve the hands of the collector 
in taking them and also in caring for them in the rearing cage. They 
seem to dispense stinging points all over the foliage over which they 
crawl and all about the cage in which they are confined. I have often 
had my hands smart for hours after changing the leaves and cleaning 
the cage in which these larvee had been reared, long after they were 
inclosed in their cocoons. 

There was throughout this and contiguous States a notable outbreak 
of Datana both D. angusti and D. ministra, but especially the former. 
This species appeared on the Walnut in June, and the second brood 
again in August, and from the excessive and repeated defoliations it is 
probable that many fine trees have been destroyed. 

During a journey taken about the 1st of September, numbers of 
trees were noticed bearing what would have been a heavy crop of nuts, 
but absolutely leafless, while the trunks were almost covered with larval 
exuvie. The nuts were, of course, small and imperfect, the shrunken 
husks clinging to the seed. Several collections of the walnut-feeding 
larvee were sent me, but not having a supply of walnut leaves conven- 
ient, I was not able to rear any of them, as they refused to accept asa 
substitute the leaves of hickory or of Rhus glabra or copalina, although 
some years ago I bred them from the latter. 

During September the black-necked larve of what I suppose will 

25910—Bull, 23——4 


50 


prove to be D. ministra, Drury, appeared on post oaks in Kirkwood 
and vicinity, defoliating portions of the trees infested. From their gre- 
garious habit and their susceptibility to poison they were easily routed. 
Even a stream of water turned upon them from the spraying pump 
would dislodge and bring them to the ground, where they were easily 
killed. 

Orgyia leucostigma, a species formerly abundant in this locality, but 
which I had not observed for ten or twelve years, was found on Sycamore 
(Platanus), on which, strange to say, it would. not feed after the second 
molt, and consequently all caterpillars left on the tree perished before 
attaining half their growth. The question suggested by this observa- 
tion was how the young larve came to be upon this tree which so evi- 
dently did not suit them for food. I could not find either cocoon or egg 
mass of the mother insect, nor were any of the larve discovered in 
the adjacent orchard. 

Ichthyura inclusa, another species not observed here for many years, 
appeared on willows in great numbers in September, but coming so late 
in the season the defoliations did no serious damage. 

In coneluding these notes I wish to mention an insect that will prob- 
ably prove most efficient in ridding the country of the pest of the Web 
Worm (Hyphantria cunea). This is the larva of a smail and inconspicu- 
ous Carabid of the genus Plochionus, bearing the appropriate specific 
name timidus. I had observed during the month of June that the 
greater number of the webs of the caterpillar were unusually small and 
incomplete and seemed to have been deserted much sooner than usual. 

Before I had time to investigate the matter, I received from Mr. J. C. 
Duffey, horticulturist at the Shaw Botanical Garden, a colony of the 
worms, interspersed among which were numerous small active Carabid 
larvee, which Mr. Duffey informed me were preying upon the former. 
The collection was placed in a cage and arranged for convenient obser- 
vation, and I very shortly had ocular demonstration of the correctness 
of Mr. Dutfey’s assertion. Many interesting observations were made 
upon these small but ferocious larve before they changed to pupe, and 
the appearance of the perfect insect was awaited with much interest. 
The first beetle developed about the middle of July and proved to be 
the species named, 

Comparatively few webs of the second brood of Hyphantria were seen 
in and around Kirkwood in August, and extensive examination revealed 
the fact that fully three-fourths of these also contained larvee of Plo- 
chionus, which were busily engaged in reducing the numbers of the 
rightful inhabitants. Nor is the beetle confined in its diet to the web 
worm. I found the larve repeatedly during the present autumn in the 
masses of leaves webbed together by the somewhat gregarious larva 
of a Tortrix (Cacecia fervidana) and between the two leaves webbed by 
various Tineids, especially Cryptolechia nubeculosa and C, schlegerella. 
(I doubt not I may have occasion to deprecate its work in the future 


51 


in these groups.) That this Plochionus had not appeared this season 
much to the east of St. Louis was evinced by the much webbed and de- 
foliated orchard and forest trees noticed in Illinois and Indiana in Au- 
gust and September. 

As Mr. Duffey proposes soon to publish a history of the insect, with 
detailed descriptions of its various stages, I defer offering my own notes 
upon its habits and forms until after the appearance of his paper. 


A FEW MORE INJURIOUS MICROS ON APPLE. 


A very considerable number of Microlepidoptera, including Pyralide, 
Phycitide, Tortricide, and Tineidw, have already been characterized 
and catalogued among the more or less injurious insects of the orchard 
and garden; but the observations of almost every year add to this list, 
and I propose here to briefly describe a few which have not as yet been 
placed on the roll, but which in this locality are annually so numerous 
as to commit appreciable injury. 

PENTHINA CHIONOSEMA, Zell.—The larve of this beautiful species 
were, last year, uncommonly abundant during the month of May on the 
leaves of apple, particularly in young orchards. They fold the leaves 
at the midrib, or sometimes one edge over to the midrib, fastening the 
edges all around firmly and feeding upon the inclosed upper surface. 

Larva.—The larva is not especially characteristic, being of a pale opaque green 
color, without maculation, except the rather inconspicuous glassy piliferous plates. 
Head pale yellow, tinged with green, legs similarly colored; length from 16 to 17™™; 
diameter, 3™™. Form subcylindrical, tapering but slightly either way from middle, 

When full grown it incloses itself under a rolled edge of the leaf, 
lining and strengthening the tube thus formed with a white silken web. 
The moth appears early in June, and I have no record of a later brood, 
although there may be one. 

The original description, by Professor Zeller, is not accessible to me 
at present, but it will suffice to note the following characters : 

Palpi and tuft of the head rich ferruginous, antenne scarcely half the length of 
the wing, fine, gray brown. Thoracic tuft dark brown. Wing expanse from 15 to 
16 ™™—rather more than a half-inch. Ground color of primaries somewhat mottled 
dark brown, with a slight suffusion of olive, diversified by three broad, indistinct, 
irregular, obliquely transverse bands of purplish gray, having a somewhat metallic 
reflection; these transverse bands broaden toward the inner margin, where they 
almost coalesce. On the costal edge is a large, milk-white, rounded triangular or 
nearly semicircular patch, extending along the costa from the middle third, in- 
clusive, almost to the apex, constituting a most distinguishing and ornamental 
character. Cilia purplish gray. Secondaries, silky, pale brown with lighter fringes. 


Abdomen and legs pale brown. Under side of wings pale, rosy brown, the large 
costal spots on this side inclining to orange. 


PROTEOPTERYX SPOLIANA Clem.—The larva folds and webs into 
clusters the young leaves of apple during the month of May, appear- 
ing, preferably, on the shoots of small trees. 


52 


Larva.—When full grown it measures 10™™ in length by 24™™ in diameter, the 
form being rather thick cylindrical; color translucent white, tinged with yellowish 
green; surface velvety; piliferous plates small, glassy, giving rise to short, fine, 
light hairs. Head and cervical collar same color as general surface or a little deeper 
in shade, inclining to amber. The head is broad and flat, with red-brown trophi, 
and a very large dark brown spot on each side. Legs and prolegs same color as gen- 
eral surface. 


When full grown it forms a tough, oval cocoon, thickly covered with 
particles of soil, on the surface of the ground, occasionally just beneath 
it. It is but single-brooded, and is very difficult to rear in confinement, 
as it must be kept through the heat of summer and the cold of winter, 
and if a little too damp it molds, while if moisture is withheld it dries 
up. From almost innumerable larve collected during several years I 
have only been successful in rearing two or three specimens, enough, 
however, to determine the species, and, as the moths are always abun- 
dant early in the spring on the trunks of orchard and forest trees, there 
need be no scarcity of specimens for the cabinet: 


Adult.—The moth expands 15™™, wings rather narrow. In color it closely simulates 
the bark of the trees on which it naturally rests. The vestiture of the head is brown 
interspersed with gray; palpi and antenn cinereous; thorax and abdomen pale 
brown. Primaries brown, with a series of oblique double silvery streaks all along 
the costal edge, extending about one-fourth across the wing; a large silvery spot of 
irregular outline, inclosing a patch of dark brown, is situated near the outer edge of 
the wing, and a less distinct patch of silvery scales occurs on the inner edge near the 
middle, while a shading of the same color modifies the brown tint on other portions 
of the wing. Cilia pale brown and cinereous intermixed. Secondaries cinereous, 
shading on costal edge to pale brown; cilia dingy white. There is some variation 
in distinctness of the markings and depth of coloring. 


STEGANOPTYCHA PYRICOLANA Riley MS.—This is somewhat similar 
to the above in coloring, but smaller and proportionally broader winged. 
This bores the shoots of the second growth of apple in August and Sep- 
tember, occasionally on recently planted trees, inflicting serious damage. 
The larva spins scarcely any web, but bores downward through the ter- 
minal bud, eutering the stem for from half an inch to an inch, sometimes 
blackening all the growing points of a young tree. 


Larva.—When full grown it is 8™™ long by 14™™ in diameter, slender, subeylindri- 
eal, tapering slightly in both directions from middle segments; surface smooth; 
incisions deep; color, pale cream yellow, somewhat translucent ; the dorsal surface 
beautifully mottled with rose red. Piliferous warts and hairs only discernible with 
alens. Ventral surface pale, slightly concave, and much wrinkled. Head elongate, 
cordate, pale brown, shading to dark brown on the middle of each lobe; trophi prom- 
inent, dark brown, with two or three long light hairs on each side. Supra-anal 
plate oblong, large, dark, smoky brown. Legs and prolegs rather unusually de- 


veloped. 


I failed to rear the first specimens collected, most of them wandering 
around in the jar until they died. Subsequently, by supplying them 
with bits of pith or bark in which to bore, I succeeded in getting three 
or four imagos between the last of September and the first of October. 


53 


The moth expands 19™, The head, thorax, and abdomen are densely covered 
with long hair-like scales, of a dull gray-brown color with bluish reflections. Basal 
half of primaries of similar color, but with more intermingling of blue and brown 

‘scales. About the middle the wing is crossed by a broad, irregularly outlined band 
of rich brown, sparsely intermingled with silvery scales, and the terminal third is 
quite evenly mottled in brown and leaden gray, the costal edge of this portion being 
ornamented with alternate oblique light and dark streaks extending about one- 
fourth across the wing; cilia bluish gray ; secondaries lustrous pale brown, shading 
to cinereous on costal edge ; cilia dingy white. 


Professor Fernald, to whom a specimen was shown, considers it iden- 
tical with Clemens’s S. salicicolana, which I believe breeds in willow galls, 
but Dr. Riley pronounces it distinct, and he has types of Clemens’s 
species. ; 

GELECHIA INTERMEDIELLA ? Chambers.—This pretty Tineid appears 
in its larval form on the tender leaves of apple early in May and again 
in September. It gnaws the parenchyma from the upper surface, giv- 
ing the leaves a burned and eroded appearance. 


Larva.—8™ in length when mature, slender, cylindrical, tapering slightly in both 
directions from middle ; incisions deep, giving it a submoniliform appearance. Gen- 
eral color bluish green, acquiring a purple hue at maturity, with faint longitudinal 
stripes of cream white. Head pale brown with a tinge of green, ornamented with 
cream-colored markings on each side and arow of graduated cream-colored dots down 
the middle of the face. First segment narrow, without perceptible shield. Thoracic 
legs long, whitish, proceeding from papillated projections on the ventral surface. 


This larva covers the leaves with fine web, in which it moves with 
great agility, and in which it rests suspended, without touching the 
surface of the leaf, except when feeding. It is semigregarious and very 
irregular in its development, some clusters of the leaves showing very 
recently hatched young, while on other clusters they will be full grown. 
It pupates on surface of the leaf under a little round cover of dense web, 
similar to those under which some spiders protect their eggs. The 
moths emerge in about 3 weeks after pupation and hibernate in the per. 
fect state. 


Adult.—A beautiful species, expanding 12 or 13™™, Head and thorax dark gray, 
more or less suffused with crimson; palpi dark gray, annulated with rosy white or 
pale pink. Ground color of primaries leaden gray and rosy white; scales about 
evenly intermixed. Three very irregular and variable, often interrupted, bands of 
rich olive brown cross the wing, intermingled with some light golden brown or 
ochreous scales; near the base and center of the wing these form quite distinct 
patches. The apical third of the wing is margined with alternate dark brown and 
rosy patches; cilia gray. Secondaries cinereous, with paler cilia. This species is 
closely allied to both roseosuffusella Clem., and rubensella Cham., resembling in colora- 
tion the latter and in size the former. Mr. Chambers says of it: ‘‘ Intermediate be- 
tween roseosuffusella Clem., and rubensella Cham., with one or the other of whieh it 
has hitherto been confounded. The third joint of the palpi is longer and more 
acute than in rubensella, more like that of roseosuffusella, but the fore wings are much 
less roseate than in either of the two other species, frequently showing no tinge of 
the roseate hue. * * * As in rubensella (and sometimes in roseosuffusella), the first 
dark band does not cover the base of the wing. The second band is like that of 
roseosuffusella, but the third extends across the wing, the dorsal portion being, how- 
ever, paler than the costal, and the costo-apical part of the wing is ochreo-fuscous. 


54 


This description, or rather these distinctions, of Mr. Chambers apply 
to some examples, while to others they do not. Many specimens are 
very roseate and richly colored, while a few appear almost plain black 
and dull white. The three species are best distinguished in the larva 
state, in which there are very decided differences. G. roseosuffusella 
feeds on Clover, G. rubensella on Oak, while the species under con- 
sideration, so far as my observations show, is confined to Apple. The 
larval characters are also very diverse in the three species. 


EXPERIMENTS WITH INSECTICIDES. 


During the great prevalence of Aphididae in the spring I made much 
use of pyrethrum and of the X. O. dust. Of the value of the former as 
a remedy for these pests, except in the case of one or two species, I 
have no occasion to change the favorable opinions already repeatedly 
published. The X. O. dust was thoroughly tested on the following 
Aphids: Aphis mali and Schizoneura lanigera on Apple; Aphis prunifolit 
on Plum; Siphonophora rose on Rose; Myzus persice on Peach; Aphis 
brassice on Cabbage; Aphis sp.? on Cucumbers and Squash; Siphono- 
phora sp.? on Lettuce; S. crategi on Thorns; S. rudbeckie on Solidago; 
Aphis ambrosic ou Ambrosia trifida, and Aphis chrysanthemi? on Chrys- 
anthemum. With its effects on all of these I was well satisfied, although 
in some cases it took several dustings to thoroughly clear a plant. 
When applied with a powder bellows it causes the insects to drop to the 
ground at once, where they may be pressed into the soil with the foot or 
patted down with a trowel. The more delicate species succumb to a 
single thorough dusting and never recover from the effects of contact 
with the powder. This preparation will also destroy Siphonophora 
avence, but whether it could in any way be applied to a field of infested 
grain has not been demonstrated. 

The Black Chrysanthemum Aphis is one of the greatest pests of the 
flower garden and gives much trouble to both amateurs and profes- 
sional florists. It hibernates on the plant and attacks the stolons as 
soon as they appear in the spring, and unless great care is taken to 
eradicate it, it is more or less numerous on the plants throughout the 
summer, dwarfing and deforming them by its punctures and by the loss 
of sap which it appropriates. As soon as the buds are formed it seems 
to develop with four-fold fecundity and requires assiduous attention to 
keep in check. The Buhach or pyrethrum powder is utterly useless 
against this species, probably because the plant from which it is made 
is so close an ally of the Chrysanthemum. The X. O. dust, composed 
of creosote and tobacco, is the best remedy within my knowledge, killing 
the Aphis without the slightest injury to the plant. Ihave found it 
best to apply during the middle of the day when the dew is off. A few 
minutes after dusting the plants, I pass along the rows or among the 
pots, and give each branch a smart shake or a blast of air from the 
empty puff, and every Aphis that has not previously dropped is dis- 


55. 


lodged, and ‘‘to make assurance doubly sure,” it is stamped into the 
earth. On most of the insect foes of the plant lice the dust produced 
no disastrous effect, but the larvae of Syrphidie would, in some cases, not 
recover from the pungent coating. 

Arsenites of ammonia.—This new preparation, for which F. J. Andres, 
25 Pearl street, New York, is the agent, was sent to me for experiment, 
in accordance with directions from the entomologist of the Department 
of Agriculture. It did not reach me until about the 1st of June, too 
late for use on a number of insects. It is a clear solution of arsenic in 
aqua ammonia, and apparently does not differ much from a preparation 
of my own devising, as reported on two years ago, and with the effects 
of which on vegetation I was not entirely satisfied. The directions ac- 
companying each of the gallon bottles, in which it is put up, are to use 
one tablespoonful of the liquid to a gallon of water. 

June7.—Weather clear and hot. Prepared a quantity of the fluid as di- 
rected and had it applied to the following plants: To potatoes, on which 
were a few Doryphora larve; to rose bushes, on which still lingered a 
few larvie of Selandria rose, Characlea angulata, and Amphipyra pyramt- 
doides; to cabbage, covered with full-grown and young larve of Pieris 
rape; to cucumbers and squash infested with Diabrotica. It was too 
late in the season to test it thoroughly on apple for the Codling Moth, 
and as there were scarcely any peaches or plums or curculios, its effect 
on the latter insect can not be reported upon. Portions of the trees as 
well as of cherry were sprayed to discover its effect upon the foliage. 

June 9.—Made the rounds of all plants sprayed and noted results as 
follows: 

Potato plants slightly scorched, edges of the leaves curled, larvee of 
Doryphora mostly on the ground dead, beetles sickly. 

Rose bushes uninjured, or very slightly burned where the leaves were 
very tender; all larve killed. 

Cabbage uninjured; all Pieris and other larve killed. Cucumbers 
much injured, squash less so; striped beetles killed or vanished. 

Peach and cherry foliage badly scorched, turned yellow. Plum and 
apple only slightly injured. Other experiments later in the season 
made with one tablespoonful of the poison to one and one-half gallons 
of water were not injurious to any except the most delicate foliage, 
while in most cases it sufficed to kill Sphinx quinquemaculata and Helio-° 
this armigera on tomato, Darapsa myron, Cidaria diversilineata, Psycho- 
morpha epimenis, and De.mia maculalis on grape, with but slight damage 
to the foliage. The fruit being “bagged” was not touched by it. 
Empretia stimulea on plum and pear and Datana ministra on oak also 
speedily died from eating leaves that had been dampened with it. 

I do not consider these experiments conclusive, as with the heat and 
drought, vegetation was not by any means in a vigorous condition, and 
therefore more liable to injury from poisonous applications. It isa 
most convenient preparation and leaves no sediment to disfigure the 


56 


foliage, and will, I trust, be found, by more thorough experiment, 
efficient as an insecticide when used of a strength that will preclude 
injury to foliage. 

Late in the summer a preparation of petroleum sludge with soap 
was sent me from the New York Chemical Works for trial, but there 
were very few insects at that time on which to test it, while its almost 
intolerable and persistent odor is really a serious objection to its use, 
especially in small gardens. 

In making my experiments, I have used the Lewis Combination 
Force Pump and Syringe, and consider them well adapted for use in 
small orchards and vineyards, and especially adapted for purposes of 
experimentation, where the larger and heavier appliances are not 
necessary, 


REPORT ON WORK OF THE SEASON. 


By HERBERT OSBORN. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


AmEs, IowA, October, 1899. 

Sir: I transmit herewith a report upon the work of the season, including mention 
of certain insects that haye been observed during the season and notes regarding 
certain others, observations on which are in progress, with the expectation of giving 
more detailed accounts of their life histories and habits. 

There is much yet to be done on the insects affecting grass before anything like a 
full report can be made upon them, but I shall hope to bring the work of the present 
season into shape for submission at the end of the year. 

The work on the parasites of domestic animals has been continued and a part is 
already submitted for printing, while a considerable amount of other matter is in 
form to be presented at an early date. 

Very respectfully, 
HERBERT Osborn. 
rot Cony peekulianive 
U. S. Entomologist. 


During the past summer there has been no great depredation by any 
single insect pest in the State, but a number of the common species of 
insects have been working with their accustomed energy, and the losses 
from this source in the State have probably been up to the average of 
ordinary seasons. 

The observations on insects affecting grass crops have been continued, 
and I am only the more strongly impressed with the importance of the 
insects affecting these crops in this State, and believe that the estimates 
given in my last year’s report as to the probable loss from this source 
to have been by no means overstated. 

Judging by the reports of the correspondents of the Iowa Weather 
and Crop Service, who represent every section of the State, the insects 
that have caused most extensive injury are those infesting meadows 
and pastures and sod land planted to corn. Not only are there numer- 
ous reports of injury by insects to timothy, to pastures, and to corn 
planted on land previously in grass, but numerous mention of poor 
condition in meadows and pastures, shortage in grass and hay crop, 

57 


58 


ete., which, to any one familiar with the great number of insects now 
infesting grass land in this region, tell a certain story as to at least one 
of the great sources of loss. 

Frequent mention is made of the Cutworms, Grubworms, Wire- 
worms, etc., and it is evident that a very great variety of species are 
included in this list; but while I am certain that many species of Cut- 
worms belonging to the common species of Noctuidz are included in 
this list, I believe that much of this injury is due to the species of 
Crambus treated in detail in my report for 1887, the Dried Crambus 
(Crambus exsiccatus), or as called in the larval stage, the Sodworm or 
Turf Webworm. ‘This has been very plentiful here in the adult form 
the present season, though by no means so abundant as in 1887, and I 
have no doubt that it has been as abundant in other parts of the State. 
The work of this species in meadows, however, would not be readily 
distinguished from that of Cutworms by those unfamiliar with the 
habits of insects, and even in corn the effect on the plants is not easily 
to be distinguished from the effects of Cutworms, Wireworms, or other 
forms of insects attacking the stalks at or near the surface of the 
ground. 


LEAF HOPPERS IN GRASS. 


In my report of last season I mentioned a number of species of leaf 
hoppers (Jassidw) that are destructive in grass land. Further observa- 
tion and collection in this same line has served to strengthen my opin- 
ion as to the great amount of injury to be attributed to these minute 
insects. A number of species particularly of the genus Deltocephalus 
occur in immense numbers in grass land, and among the most common 
of those observed here are the Deltocephalus (Jassus) inimicus Say, 
treated of in last year’s report, but associated with these are D. debilis 
Uhler., D. Sayi Fitch, D. Melsheimeri Fitch, and a number of species 
apparently as yet undescribed. <A fuller report upon these I hope to 
make a little later when material on hand can be more fully examined 
and a more complete statement of results given, but it may be in place 
to mention as one of the results of this study that I have been con- 
vinced that these insects are a very important factor in the production 
of ‘‘ silver-top ” in grass, this being one of the effects produced by their 
suction of the juices of the plant and resulting when they penetrate the 
succulent portion of the stem.at the base of the terminal node. That 
other insects may and do cause this same form of withering and injury 
to grass I do not deny, but in a great number of examinations of injured 
stems I have in the great majority of cases found no insect within the 
sheath of the injured part, and feel positive that for these the injury 
could not have been produced by Thrips or Meromyza or any insect 
working within the stem while the presence of immense numbers of the 
leaf hopper on the affected plants and the presence of punctures show 
clearly the possibility of the injury being due to them. 


59 


This question has been more fully discussed in a paper read with 
your consent before the Association for the Promotion of Agricultural 
Science at the Indianapolis meeting. In that paper I have referred to 
different explanations for the silver-topped condition of grass and _ pre- 
sented the grounds for my own opinion that for this locality and in 
blue grass the injury must be referred mainly to these Jasside. From 
the fact that these Jasside are exposed to the application of remedies 
that would not affect insects protected in the sheath it is evident that 
the adoption of measures to destroy these, as suggested in my last 
year’s report, should result in a decrease of the “ silver-top.” 


GRASSHOPPERS AND CRICKETS IN GRASS. 


The common species of grasshoppers or locusts have been as usual 
very plentiful, Melanoplus femur-rubrum probably heading the list for 
abundance, but several other species, as IM. differentialis, Dissosteira 
carolina, Tomonotus sulphureus, and Arphia sordida form a very con- 
spicuous part of the grass-eating species. For the present season also 
there has been a very great abundance of the little field cricket, Nemo- 
bius vittatus.. This was noticed as especially abundant on sunny hill- 
sides in pastures and in many places aggregated in such numbers 
as to completely cover the surface of the ground. While this species 
has been rather frequently mentioned among the species common 
throughout the country and its herbivorous habits accepted, so far as 

,I know by all, there has been apparently little attention to it as a de- 
‘ structive species or one worthy of particular attention on account of 
the injury it may cause in pastures. 

It is quite evident, however, that when occurring in anything like the 
abundance in which it has been observed here this season 1t must be 
the cause of no little loss, and it may very well be associated with the 
more frequently mentioned locusts in the category of destructive 
meadow insects. 

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 


The Apple Leaf Skeletonizer (Pempelia hammondit) has been sent me 
this season from near Des Moines, where it was reported as doing con- 
siderable damage. This insect has been comparatively rare in the State 
for a number of years, but from the account received of its appearance 
this year it must have been in such numbers as to cause no little dam- 
age, and it is to be hoped that prompt measures will be adopted by the 
fruit-growers of that locality to prevent its spread. 

The Turnus Butterfly (Papilio turnus) has been noticed as more than 
ordinarily abundant, the larve occurring in considerable numbers on 
various trees, especially on plum trees in this vicinity. While the species 
has seldom assumed an economic importance, in this State at least, it 
may be that it will require occasional attention, and it will of course 
readily succumb to the treatment by spraying, so efficacious for leaf- 
eating larve. 


60 


The Cherry Slug (Selandria cerasi) has also been quite plentiful and 
damaging cherry and plum trees. It would appear that this insect has 
been rather more than usually common in a considerable territory the 
present season, as I have heard of it from various localities. Itis gen- 
erally the case, however, that it does little damage for more than one 
or two seasons in succession, so that it seems hardly necessary to take 
any great amount of trouble in dealing with it unless it is working 
destructively upon particular trees, when the usual poisonous sprays 
suffice to rid the trees of its presence. 

The Handmaid Moth (Datana ministra) has been on the increase 
apparently for a number of years past and for the last two years has suc- 
ceeded in defoliating quite a number of trees in the vicinity, especially 
hickories and black walnuts. As mentioned in another place, the 
arsenite of ammonia was used in treating it this fall and proved very 
efficient in destroying the insects. Previously, we have used London 
purple for this purpose, and there is apparently little choice, unless 
there be sufficient difference in price to render one cheaper than the 
other. Itis important in using any of the poisonous solutions for this 
species to spray the whole tree or as much of it as possible, since when 
only the part where the worms may be working at any particular time 
is sprayed, they are very likely in their next move to occupy some part 
where there is no poison to affect them, and they may in this way escape 
until they have caused considerable damage to the tree. 

Abbot’s White Pine Worm (Lophyrus abbotii) has appeared in the 
State, and so far as I am aware it is the first time that this destructive 
insect has been brought to notice in lowa. It was sent to me from 
Farley and with the report that the evergreen trees were suffering 
severely from its attacks, 

The Corn Root Worm (Diabrotica longicornis) is evidently on the in- 
crease and gradually extending throughout such localities as it has not 
hitherto occupied. Here, it appears very abundantly in the adult stage, 
and in fall, collecting in great numbers on flowers. So far as I know 
there has notas yet been any very great injury to the corn in the vicinity, 
but probably the worms occur in considerable numbers scattered through 
the various fields, and it is probable that in a short time they will mul- 
tiply to such an extent that in fields kept long in corn they will cause 
serious loss. 

The species of Diabrotica infesting squashes, melons, ete., D. vittata 
and 12-punctata, have been very abundant the past season, though per- 
hapsnot more s0 than is common for them, but the crops they infest have 
required attention in order to prevent serious loss. 

The Potato Stalk Weevil (Zrichobaris trinotatus) was observed this 
season for the first time and occurred in such numbers as to cause con- 
siderable damage. It was first noticed by Mr. F. A. Sirrine, a special 
student in entomology, at present assisting in the botanical work in the 
Experiment Station. It is quite likely that the insect has been present 


61 


in previous seasons in small numbers, but it has not been taken even in 
the adult form, in this locality till this summer, so that it seems more 
likely that it has been introduced in some way quite recently. 


TESTS OF ARSENITE OF AMMONIA. 


During the month of May I received instructions from Mr. Howard 
to make tests of an insecticide put on the market by Fr. Jac. Andres, 
of 25 Pearl street, New York, under the name of arsenite of ammonia, 
as agent for the Caspar Schneider Chemical Works. In due time the 
samples came from the New York firm and I proceeded to make such 
tests as were possible to determine both the effects upon various kinds 
of plants and its effectiveness in killing insects. 

On the morning of May 30, 1890, between 9 and 10 o’clock of a hot, 
sunny day, I sprayed the following plants with a view to giving a 
thorough test of the effect on foliage: 

Squash vines infested with Diabrotica vittata. 

Cucumber vines infested with Diabrotica vittata. 

Potato vines infested with Hpitrix cucumeris. 

Plum, Cherry, Box-elder, Willow, Eleagnus, Elm, Mountain Ash, 
Birch, Apple, Raspberry, beans, grass, and clover. 

The results were watched closely for a number of days but the record 
of June 2 gives the results for the entire set. On that day a careful 
examination was made of all the plants that had been treated and it 
was found that in no case could there be found any injury to the foliage, 
except possibly a slight injury to the elm and the beans, but the injury 
was so slight, if any, in these cases that it could hardly be charged with 
certainty against the arsenite. The solution in this case was as given 
in the directions, a tablespoonful to an ordinary pailful of water, and 
the conclusion was that with this strength it could be applied without 
danger to any of the above-named plants. 

On the squash vines and cucumber vines the beetles seemed much 
less abundant, but I was unable to find any dead insects around the 
vines. The hills treated, however, remained quite free from further 
trouble from these insects, while others in the vicinity were seriously 
affected. The failure to find dead beetles under the treated plants 
might easily result from the insects flying away after eating the poison 
to places of shelter and dying there. The same was true of the flea- 
beetle affecting potatoes. The beetles seemed much less abundant, but 
no dead ones could be found under the treated vines. 

While it was so late in the season that it was not expected that this 
test would give any definite results as to the effect on the codling moth, 
it is worthy of mention that the branches of the apple tree sprayed 
with the arsenite were loaded with apples, while the other portions of 
the tree were much less fully loaded. 

The apples also of this portion were quite free from worms, though 
in the late fall they were of course exposed to the action of the second 


62 


brood and a portion of the fruit was found infested. While this is not 
given asa good example of the effect of spraying, it seems strong enough 
certainly to warrant the conclusion that the arsenite of ammonia will 
prove as effectual as any other form of the poison against this pest. 

There were none of the Colorado Potato Beetles to be found in the 
vicinity, so the poison could not be tested with them, a test that would 
have been of course more satisfactory, especially with the larve, because 
of the fact that the dead insects can afterward be found readily around 
the treated vines. 

I was able, however, to give a thorough trial of the insecticide prop- 
erties of the substance later in the season on the common Handmaid 
Moth (Datana ministra), which was very plentiful on some of the hickory 
and black walnut trees in the vicinity. A single application of the 
poison was found to kill the caterpillars in large numbers, evidently af- 
fecting all that fed upon the leaves that had been reached by the poison. 
Dead caterpillars began to be found in 24 hours from time of application, 
and for two or three days afterward the caterpillars were dying off rap- 
idly. Theapplication was in this case made a little stronger than in the 
first trials, and in a few days the trees showed some injury from the ef- 
fects of the arsenite, so it seems quite evident that the strength for these 
trees must be kept within the limits indicated by the directions. The 
liquid is very convenient to mix with water, and forms probably a very 
uniform mixture, so that it seems to possess some points of superiority 
ver the arsenites in solid form. 


REPORT ON SOME OF THE INSECTS AFFECTING CEREAL 
CROPS. 


By F. M. WmsBsTErR. 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


La FAYETTE, IND., October 22, 1890. 
Str: I herewith submit my annual report of observations on some of the insects 
affecting cereal grains. For assistance in carrying on the experiments connected 
with the studies of the Hessian Fly, lam greatly indebted to the following gentlemen: 
Hon. Samuel Hargrave, Princeton; Mr. W.S. Ratliff, Richmond; Mr. Miles Martin, 
Marshall; Hon. W. Banks, La Porte, and Hon. J. N. Lakta, Hawpatch; to Purdue 
University, and later the experiment station. I am also under obligations for use 
of land, seed, and labor in carrying out my own experiments here at La Fayette. 
To yourself especially, and others of the division, Iam under many obligations for 
the determination of specimens and other numberless favors. 
Respectfully submitted. 
F. M. WEBSTER. 
Dr: Vi. RILEY, 
U.S. Entomologist. 


THE HESSIAN FLY. 
Number and Development of Broods. 


My experiments, notes, and observations upon this insect extend 
over a period of a little over six years, and while it received little more 
attention than was given other wheat-destroying species, a considerable 
number of facts have accumulated which, while not by any means 
clearing up all of the mysteries of the pest, will nevertheless serve to 
throw some light on several obscure points. Unless otherwise stated, 
all of my observations and experiments herein recorded relate to the 
State of Indiana, extending from latitude 37° 50’ to about 41° 45/ N. 
The exact latitude of many places of observation is given, not so much 
for the American reader or investigator as for those of other countries, 
notably England and Russia. 

My experiments and observations have been carried on almost exclu- 
sively out of doors and very largely in the fields, as I consider indoor 
and breeding-cage observations on this species, except for the purpose 

63 


64 


of securing specimens and parasites, of very doubtful value from an 
economic standpoint or as indicating its normal habits. The obserya- 
tions have many of them been once and often twice substantiated. 

In ordinary seasons and throughout the area above indicated the 
statement made long ago by Dr. Fitch that the Hessian Fly is double 
brooded is true. While in the southern portion of the State the fall 
brood of adults seem to appear some weeks later than in the northern 
part, nevertheless I have found but two destructive broods. Between 
these two broods, however, is a considerable mass of fluctuating indi- 
viduals, the true position of which is rather anomalous.* 

At LaFayette, Ind., latitude 40° 27’, wheat plants were transferred 
from the fields to the breeding cages April 5, 1890, and kept out of 
doors. The seed producing these plants had been sown the preceding 
September 3. On April 17 a female emerged, and a male appearing 
soon after, these, on April 22, were both placed together on young 
growing wheat planted in a breeding cage, out of doors. From these 
adults were secured June 8. The attempt was made to follow the off- 
spring of these, but failed on account of the wheat being killed by rust. 
On June 7, and also on the 14th, 1888, in the same locality, adults were 
observed ovipositing, the eggs being placed on the youngest and most 
tender shoots, and there was every evidence that these eggs developed 
through the larval to the flaxseed stage by early July. Besides, I have 
observed in the same locality late-growing shoots literally overrun 
with very young larve on the 26th of June, and found larvee as late as 
the 10th of July. 

On October 16, 1887, Mr. W. 8. Ratliff, who made a great number of 
experiments for me, near Richmond, Ind. (latitude 30° 51’), secured 
adults from a small plot of wheat plants which appeared above the 
ground September 4. From a plant from this same plat that had been 
transplanted indoors, he secured an adult female 11 days earlier. In 
either of these cases with favorable weather the female could have 
sent her offspring into the winter in the flaxseed state. Mr. Ratliffalso 
observed adults on July 10, 1887. At La Fayette, Ind., the same au- 
tumn, I saw females ovipositing on November 3, in a temperature of 64° 
F., among the plants. From a platsown August 13, and which came up 
on the 17th, I obtained adults of both sexes on October 1, 44 days after 
the plants appeared and 48 days after sowing. That larve, even 
though quite inmature when winter begins, may survive till spring has 
been demonstrated again and again, and was especially true of the 
exceedingly mild winter of 1889-90. In fact, by a series of sowings all 


* Dr. Fitch states that the eggs of the fall brood are deposited in the State of New 
York early in September, and also that ‘the deposit is doubtless made later to the 
south of us than it is here in New York.” (Seventh Report.) Mr. Edward Tilghman 
observed oviposition in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, about latitude 39° to 39° 
30’, during the second week in October, and mentions it as of usual! occurrence. (Lhe 
Cullivator, May, 1841.) 


65 


stages of the insect can be produced continually from April to October, 
and by keeping a cage indoors I have produced adults in abundance in 
January. 

As Dr. Lindeman has well stated, the puparia are greatly influenced 
by environment, temperature, etc., and this is probably true of the other 
stages, larvie of different ages being, for all we know, influenced to a 
different degree. To these facts must be added another of considerable 
moment, viz, while nominally two brooded, flaxseeds collected by me in 
the spring of one year have lived over to the spring of the following year. 
This is also true of at least one of the parasites of the species. How far 
the number of these interlopers is augmented by a retarded develop- 
ment of greater or less extent it is impossible to say, but that thereis an 
accession through this means there can be nodoubt. In fact, it would 
appear as though nature had in this way provided against the extine- 
tion of the species. 

Now, is it proper for us, from these scattering individuals, to attempt 
to construct distinct broods? Itseemstomenot. I have several times 
sown wheat at La Fayette early in July and never had it seriously in- 
fested by Hessian fly until late in August or early in September. Very 
young larve were exceedingly abundant early in October of this year 
in a field of early-sown wheat near La Fayette. 

It is true that observations during a single season, in a single locality, 
might produce apparently good evidence of a third brood, but a con- 
tinued close study of the species in such locality will probably show it 
unfounded. That these aberrant individuals may, under favorable con- 
ditions, collect or ‘‘ bunch” together in certain fields is probably true, 
but my own experience has been that the following year this irregu- 
larity will have disappeared or have been reduced to a minimum by the 
effect of the weather during midsummer and winter. On June 24, 1887, 
near Princeton, Indiana, latitude 38° 23’ N., I found a field of wheat, 
sown about the first of the preceding November, literally alive with 
larve from one-fourth to nearly or quite full grown. There were no 
pup to speak of in this field at the time, but in other fields in the 
vicinity these were abundant, but here there was no larve to be found. 
At this date wheat harvest was at its height. The late-sown field had 
evidently attracted the late-appearing adults of the fall before, and 
their progeny, living over in this field, as delayed larve, emerged cor- 
respondingly late in the spring, giving rise to the generation of larvze 
observed by me. My reason for taking this view is that I have several 
times tried to draw off the spring brood of flies by offering them young 
plants on which to oviposit, but have always failed, as they seemed to 
prefer tender shoots of older plants to the young plants themselves. In 
the- fall this characteristic seems to be somewhat the reverse, although 
even then, if attacked after tillering, the tillers will be chosen instead 
of the main stem. The fall brood of adults is probably the migratory 
brood, and their power of detecting wheat plants is almost phenomenal, 

25910— Bull. 23——5 


66 


T have drawn them to a small plat of wheat sown in a secluded corner 
of my garden, in the midst of town, fully half a mile from any wheat 
fields. - But, be this as it may, a second brood of larve in June would 
be rather difficult to sustain, as the puparia of the earlier part of the 
month are known to remain in that stage until September. Neither 
have I been able to secure any better evidence of a brood originating in 
volunteer wheat during July and August. Puparia are to be found 
every year from one end of the State to the other in this volunteer 
wheat, but here in Indiana I have never found these sufficiently numer- 
ous to imply a distinct brood. Professor Forbes and his assistants, 
working in Illinois, appear to have a greater confidence in this extra 
brood than myself, although, as will appear farther on, our experiments 
were carried on the one perfectly independent of the other, though only 
a few miles apart. 

My attention has been called to the condition of this field near Prince- 
ton, by Honorable Samuel Hargrove, member of the board of trustees of 
Purdue University, and also a member of the State Board of Agricul- 
ture, who willingly agreed to further aid in the investigations by sow- 
ing for me plats of wheat at intervals of about 2 weeks, beginning as 
soon as possible after harvest. Being detained in Louisiana myself 
until nearly the 1st of August, and the weather being exceedingly dry, 
no plats were sown until August 4, 1887, followed by another on August 
22,and a third September 5. These were sown on one of Mr. Hargrove’s 
farms, about 10 miles northeast of Princeton. 

The first two sowings, owing to the drought, came up sparingly and 
about the same time. The third was also affected by drought, and did 
not come up until about the Ist of October. These plats were sown 
along the lower edge of a high, rolling stubble field, which had been 
too dry to plow, and in which I had found an abundance of flaxseeds 
the preceding June. 

These plats were examined by me on October 8. The two earlier- 
sown plats had thrown up a good growth of plants, which had tillered 
finely, being along a low ravine. On these plats I found a number of 
larvee, which were nearly or quite grown, and a less number of flaxseeds, 
one of which was empty. Besides these, the plants were literally alive 
with very young larve, so young, in fact, that they had not yet lost 
their reddish tint. The third plat had sent up the normal number of 
plants, which were now in the second leaf. These plants had not ap- 
peared in time for the earlier deposited eggs, but were even more seriously 
infested by young larve than the plants of the two earlier plats. One 
of the plants from the last plat is before me, and contains twenty-six 
young larve, all of which must have hatched from the eggs only a few 
days prior to my observations. Now, from whence did the progenitors 
of these young larve originate? Most assuredly not from volunteer 
wheat, because there was none. Not from my earlier-sown plats, else 
these would have shown the effect. There are, it seems to me, but two 


67 


other sources from which they could have come, viz, the stubble, which 
I know to have been infested, and grasses, which we have no knowledge 
of the species affecting. 

These plats were plowed up soon after examination, as I was afraid 
to allow them to stand thus, a menace to the adjoining fields the follow- 
ing spring, though the plants would have probably been destroyed 
before even a small portion of the larve matured. 

From all the information that I am able to gather, the usual time of 
appearance of the fall brood of adult flies in southern Indiana is the 
last portion of September, or some years the first days of October. 
This is, I believe, the opinion of the most observing farmers, including 
Hon. J. Q. A. Seig, of Corydon, Harrison County, who is as familiar 
with the earlier stages of the pest and its effect upon fall wheat as I 
am myself. Mr. J. P. Londen, of Sharp’s Mills, same county, stated 
that wheat sown on October 1, 1886, was damaged 50 per cent., while 
that sown on the 6th was injured only 15 per cent. Mr. J. A. Burton, 
writing from Mitchell, Lawrence County, November 24, 1887, gave the 
results of his examination of wheatfields as follows: Fields sown Sep- 
tember 8, about one plant in 8 infested; sown September 15, about 
one plant in 12; sown September 22, about one plant in 50, and 
sown October 1, seemingly free from injury. The observations of these 
gentlemen also coincide with my own, made in November, 1888, in Har- 
rison and Posey Counties. Therefore, from all the information which 
I have been able to gain, the best season for wheat sowing, to avoid the 
attacks of the Hessian fly in extreme southern Indiana, is soon after 
the 1st of October. Exactly how far northward this advice will apply 
I am unable to say, but am inclined to think it would cover territory 
laying between latitude 38° and 39°, and possibly 39° 30’, although 
near the northern limit it would probably be safe during ordinary years . 
to sow soon after September 25. 

During the years 1887 and 1885 Mr. W. 8S. Ratliff made a large num- 
ber of very careful observations, and sowed a series of plats of wheat 
on different dates near Richmond, Ind. In 1887 plats were sown August 
5 and 29, September 12 and 26. All of these plats were attacked and 
more or less injured except the last, which as late as December 19 
showed not the least injury by the Hessian fly. Up to May 31, 1888, 
there was very little injury to this plat, and even on the above date 
there were very few larvee as compared with the number on the others. 
From this date on till July 11 the plats were all injured by black and 
red rusts, Chinch bugs, and the Wheat Stem maggot, the greater injury 
appearing to fail upon this, so that at harvest, July 11, the last was 
the poorest of allin yield, that sown August 15 being the best. The 
sowings of 1888 were as follows: September 6, 20; October 4, 22; No- 
vember 1. On November 14 the first plat was found to be infested by 
_larve of the Hessian fly. During June, 1889, Chinch bugs again at- 
tacked the plants growing on these plats, and the grain aphis seriously 


68 


injured the later sown plats, so that at harvest, July 5, these latter 
were the poorest of all, the other three averaging about alike. All of 
these plats during both years had been sown in narrow strips among 
corn along one side, the remainder of the field being corn, and later 
also sown to wheat, thus bringing the latest-sown plats between those 
sown earliest and the entire field itself, as appeared to me, the severest 
test to which I could subject the several plats. The results, while not 
conclusive or even entirely satisfactory, indicate that in that latitude 
about September 25 is, generally speaking, a good time to sow wheat 
to escape fall attacks of the fly and winter killing. A series of plats 
sown for me by Mr. Miles Martin, of Marshall, Parke County, Ind., in 
very near the same latitude as Richmond, but nearer the western border 
of the State, gave rather more conclusive results, the sowings of Sep- 
tember 22 being almost entirely exempt from the attack of the Hessian 
fly, while earlier plats were infested. 

In regard to my own experiments here on the Experiment Station 
grounds at Lafayette, 1 may state that I have never been able to pro- 
voke a disastrous attack of the pest, though there has been nothing left 
undone which could possibly induce the adult flies to oviposit at any 
time between March and December; and there is probably not a month 
between these dates during which the insect could not have been found 
in all of its stages. The two destructive broods, however, invariably 
appear in May and September; in the latter case usually before the 
20th. 

My own experimental showings were rather more elaborate and ex- 
tensive than those of any of my correspondents, comprising a number 
of varieties and extending over several months. Without going into 
details, the experiments and results may be summarized as follows: 
1887, plats comprising the varieties Michigan Amber, Clawson and 
Velvet Chaff, each one width of a grain drill twenty rods in length, were 
sown on the following dates: August 13, 27; September 10, 24; Octo- 
ber 8, 27; November 5,19. The autumn was very dry, and the plants 
of the first six plats went into winter in poor condition, being very 
small, while the last two sowings did not come up until the following 
spring. The severe winter destroyed the plants so generally, that only 
the first three produced sufiicient grain to pay for harvesting. These 
were also the only ones to suffer from the fall.attack of the fly, the first 
producing adults October 1. Plat 8 was attacked on the following June, 
and on the 26th was badly infested with young larve, full-grown larvee 
and puparia, the latter, the most numerous, were found on the 16th of 
July. The plats harvested produced a poor crop, but the Michigan 
Amber ranked first, Velvet Chaff second, and Clawson the poorest of all. 


ery 


69 


The condition of the Hessian fly in these three plats, at the time of 
harvest, July 10, 1888, may be inferred from the result of examinations 
made on this date. 


EMD bys WAxXseedS) oe acs aoc selene. seieasa sao spews cis ec em ajetsccrcinae 15 
Containing healthy pups or parasites....-...---.---..-----.----. 69 
Vcore aeiotemae tesciceisl see ee eee ee ee cinae eens Seis ssivinieilainisiasiacie 16 

MNO lial leet eee oie aetaia at ste an ote inte a cnete sieteraetnainin wii Seteicin ofeimicieiel Seale 100 

August 3, the state of the insect in these same plats was as follows: 

lava DUN; HEREC ae Gok cipap nde DOOODE DHS AOO Hebe Dns DEDPCurCCD eoDooc 53 
Containing healthy pups and parasites.......-..---------- --<-0< 47 

otal nes clase osc e tiew estas clavseryee ciate cis shacieia, clecisleais's sistae esis 100 


The condition of the insect on September 1, as shown by examination 
of the stubble, is indicated below: 


PM yp AXSCOOS cme cibre ee esine ae eleaae cece = cco were siclecerse ain nee aeate 55 
Healthystlaxsecdshiscecccce arse cee nse ne epee cel aw ae sae an oe eaaete 28 
RaTARILIZeO HaXBOOGS = ase ete om eee ol ost e an ete ne eeoetosetes oe 17 
: Saye BAS are MTA ga EM ot EL VM Sea me A IR RE 100 


Notwithstanding the per cent of healthy puparia passing the summer 
was small, there is little probability that many adult flies emerged. 
A plat of the same dimensions was sown July 16, along one side of the 
first three sown the previous fall, the plants of this last sowing coming 
up ten days later. This plat was closely watched. After July 17 only 
an occasional larva was found. By August 4 plants had been de- 
stroyed by the combined influences of chinch bugs and dry weather, 
but a second plat has been sown adjoining, and the plants of this ap- 
peared above ground on August 6. On September 4, 200 plants were 


examined and but two larveze were found thereon. A second examina- - 


tion of the same number of plants from this plat, on September 15, re- 
vealed a small number of young larve. ‘A third examination of this 
plat on October 6 showed about 1 per cent of the plants to be infested. 
Stubble from the three original plats, keptin breeding cages, out of doors, 
did not give adults until the 17th of September, although it is quite 
probable that some few were abroad before that date. It will be seen, 
however, that no great number could have emerged from the stubble, 
and the increase in the number of empty flaxseeds between July 10 and 
September 1is doubtless to be attributed to parasites. This appears all 
the more probable, as I have repeatedly observed these parasites 
during July and August emerge in breeding cages, and at once begin 
to oviposit in flaxseed in the stubble from which they had themselves 
emerged. The percentage of healthy puparia reaching September in 
safety, however, was probably unusally small, as experiments on the 
same ground the following year did not suffer near somuch from either 
fall or spring attacks. Another feature of these experiments is, that 
it strongly indicates that the larger per cent of the parasites emerge 
prior to the 1st of August. Indeed, stubble from the entire length of 


— 


70 


the State, collected in June and placed in breeding out of doors here 
at La Fayette, has indicated the truth of this. 

The sowings of 1888 were made on August 30, September 18, October 
3, 6. Of these, only the first sown were attacked in the fall, that sown 
on September 18 being in the best condition the following July. Dur- 
ing May, 1889, the plants of these plats were found to be much less 
infested than some fields a considerable distance away, although such 
fields had been sown on oats stubble, while the ground on which my 
experiments were located was the same that had been used for this 
purpose the previous year. 

The sowings of 1889 were continued on the same grounds, the plats 
being sown September 3-20, October 4-18, November4. The autumn 
attack was the most severe on the first plat, but the extremely mild fall 
and winter was so favorable to the development of the flies that the 
spring attack was unusually severe, and appeared to fall upon the 
three earlier sown plats with about equal force. The later sown plats, 
though the plants were much the younger, did not suffer so much, but 
these were very seriously affected by the weather during early spring. 

These experiments appeared to indicate that, in this latitude, while 
wheat sown as early as the last of August may under favorable con- 
ditions and during particular seasons produce as good or even a bet- 
ter crop than when sown at a later date, yet such cases are the ex- 
ception and not the rule; but that wheat sown as soon as possible 
after the 20th of September stands the best chance of evading the at- 
tacks of the fly and withstanding the unfavorable weather, the regular 
operations of the University farm during the last seven years certainly 
substantiate. It is the custom with the experiment farm, each year, 
to sow the regular field crop at this time, and in no case has severe 
injury been sustained from attacks of the Hessian fly. Fields on ad- 
joining farms sown at earlier dates have frequently been seriously in- 
jured, although this has not invariably followed. 

Another series of experimental sowings was carried on for me by Hon. 
W. A. Banks, near La Porte, Ind., about latitude 41° 35’. The first 
series of these sowings was begun in August of 1887. The sowings of 
1888 were not carried on under Mr. Banks’s immediate supervision, and 
were of little value. No experiments were made in 1889, but a well 
planned and carefully executed series were sown in the fall of 1890, 
The series of 1887, each of which comprised two widths of a grain drill, 
extended along one side of the field about 60 rods in length, the first 
of which was sown on August 13, the plants appearing above ground 
within a few days. The second sowing was on August 23, a third on 
September 2, the fourth September 12, the fifth September 22, the 
sixth and last on October 7. These plats were visited by me on Octo- 
ber 14, and their condition found to be as follows: The first was found 
to be infested by great numbers of larvee and puparia, some of the 
shells of the latter being empty, and the plants were seriously dam- 


(| 


aged. The second plat was even worse injured than the first, and the 
third much worse than either ofthe others. The fourth appeared to be 
almost as badly infested as the third, but it had only partly tillered, 
and henee there was a better prospect for it to throw up unaffected 
shoots. The fifth had not tillered, and was only very slightly infested, 
with very young larve, while the sixth was not yet up. 

On April 12, 1888, the plats were visited again. About 25 per cent 
of the plants on the first three plats appeared to have survived. The 
fourth was apparently 50 per cent better, the fifth was in almost 
as good shape as the fourth, while the sixth was backward, the plants 
being small and thin on the ground. 

The estimate yield, made by Mr. Banks at time of harvest, on 
the basis of 20 bushels per acre as an average yield, was as follows: 
First plat, 50 per cent; second, 50 per cent; third, 65 percent; fourth, 
90 per cent; fifth, 70 per cent. The remainder of the field was sown 
on September 2, and shared in the destruction in common with plat 
3. Another field at some distance from this was sown about Septem- 
ber 20 and sustained no material injury. 

It will be observed that the first three plats were sown almost at the 
same time as the first three at La Fayette, yet stubble from the first 
three plats at La Porte, collected on September 2 and placed in a breed- 
ing cage beside another containing stubble from the first three at La 
Fayette, gave adult-flies nearly a week earlier. In other words, the 
majority of the adults from Mr. Banks’s plats emerged prior to Septem- 
ber 15, while those from my own did not reach their maximum num- 
bers until after the 15th, and from then on till the 25th. In both 
cases, however, a few stragglers emerged occasionally until early in 
October. As previously stated, the plats of 1888 were not properly 
sown, Mr. Banks not being able to attend to them himself; but a visit 
to the locality on November 8 revealed but very little injury to wheat 
which had been sown after the middle of September. 

The experiment plats of 1890 were sown September 1, 10, 20, 80. 
These were examined late in October and fully substantiated the ex- 
periments of previous years. The sowing of September 1 was consid- 
erably injured, while that of the 10th was very seriously affected, as 
was also a large field adjoining sown but a day or two later. The sow- 
ing of September 20 was comparatively free from attack, while that 
sown September 30 appeared to have almost entirely escaped injury. 

The sixth and last series of experiments were made for me by Hon. 
J. N. Latta, at Haw Patch, Lagrange County, in about the same lati- 
tude as La Porte. The sowings were made in 1887, the first being 
drilled on July 28, but owing to drought the plants did not appear 
above ground until about the 28th of August. The second plat was 
sown on August 15, butcame up the same time as the first; the third, 
sown September 1, came up September 6; the fourth, sown September 
12, came up September 21; the fifth, sown September 24, came up the 


12 


28; while the sixth and last was sown October 12, and did not come 
up until about the 20th. These plats were examined by me on Octo- 
ber 17; the first three and the last sown were very poor, the fourth 
and fifth promising a fair yield. A field adjoining, sown on the same 
day as plat 5, did not suffer from the fly and produced nearly an aver- 
age yield of 20 bushels per acre. 

The results of these meager experiments have, as a rule, proven 
correct in the fields of the farmers. I have not only observed this 
myself, but it has become well known in the locality that wheat sown 
before September 15 and after the 30th of the same month seldom pro- 
duces a good crop, while that sown between the 15th and the 25th is 
the most likely to escape the attack of the Hessian fly, and, as a general 
thing winters, as well as that sown earlier. 

In summing up the results of this entire system of experiments, it 
seems that while no exact date can be Jaid down for the appearing of 
the fall brood of fly in any precise locality, there is, notwithstanding, 
a gradual delay in its appearance as we go from the north southward. 
In other words, there is kere a characteristic element in the life history 
of. the species which may be utilized by the farmer to his advantage. 
Fruit-growers, I believe, estimate that in spring the season advances 
northward at the rate of about 12 miles per day. This would be a 
trifle less than 6 days per degree of latitude. If farmers in extreme 
northern Indiana and southern Michigan can sow their wheat with 
safety about the 12th to the 15th of September (and we have demon- 
strated that the fall brood emerges largely prior to the 15th), and 
farmers in extreme southern Indiana must delay sowing until after the 
first days of October, there must be a general system of retardation, 
which, if understood, may be used to advantage throughout the inter- 
vening territory. 

Starting in southern Michigan on the 12th to 15th and passing 4 
degrees south to the vicinity of Evansville, Ind., we should expect 
about the same condition of the Hessian fly during the first week of 
October. That is, if we pass the danger line about the second week 
of September in southern Michigan, we should expect to encounter it 
again in southern Indiana in the first or second week of October. A 
considerable correspondence and my own experiments indicate that 
this is usually true. It is not to be supposed, however, that it is 
possible for me to give precise dates for given localities, as there is 
another element which is likely to figure in these calculations, viz, ele- 
vation. It has been stated upon reliable authority that ‘‘ an elevation 
of 350 feet is equal to 1 degree of cold in the mean annual tempera- 
ture, or 60 miles on the surface northward.”* While we can hardly 
expect this to influence comparatively level countries like the State of 
Indiana at least to any marked degree, extensive areas of high table- 


* Draper’s Intellectual Development of Europe, Harper Bros., New York, revised 
edition, vol. 1, p. 29. 


13 


lands would be apt to show its effect more distinctly. There may also 
be some obscure influence peculiar to the natures of the different soils. 

It will be seen, therefore, that the experiments have fallen far short 
of settling the whole problem, yet it seems to me that they have been 
carried as far as profitable, and the matter is now in proper state to be 
taken up by the intelligent farmer, whose experimental plats are his 
fields. And it may be added that this is done with a feeling on my part 
that whatever of truth there may be in the matter will stand as a nu- 
cleus about which others may build, while whatever there may be of 
error will as surely disappear. 


THE EFFECT OF THE LARVZ ON THE PLANTS. 


The effect of the larvae, especially on the young plants, does not ap- 
pear to be generally understood, and I have myself been able to verify 
either the figures or descriptions of Fitch and Packard only in excep- 
tional cases. The swollen bulb just above the roots in Fitch’s figures 
gives but a vague idea of the true appearance, while Packard’s figure 
represents plants which have very evidently sprung from seeds only 
slightly covered by thesoil. Besides, the former figure only represents 
the condition of the plants long after the larvze have done their work, 
and the latter, aside from the shoot being shorter, gives no idea of the 
appearance of an infested stem, as found in nature, growing in the fields. 
The yellow color of the foliage—there is usually more brown than yellow 
about it—appears later, after the larve are full-fed, and then itis largely, 
at least, confined to the younger leaves, the older ones, under whose 
sheaths the larve occur, are killed by the freezing weather of winter. [n 
Circular No. 2 of the Agricultural Experiment Station of Purdue Uni- 
versity I have given a representation of an infested plant fresh from the 
field drawn from nature. The plant had been attacked soon after its ap- 
pearance above ground and had not tillered. The leaves under these 
conditions are broader, darker green, more vertical and bunchy. The 
youngest leaf on a healthy plant as it unfolds and pushes upward is of 
atubular form and spindle-shaped, somewhat as represented in Pack- 
ard’s figure of a healthy plant. In the case of an affected plant, the 
stem having been destroyed below ground, the spindle-shaped central 
leaf is always absent. The difference between a healthy and infested 
plant is shown by a comparison of figures. If a plant has already till- 
ered, each of the identical laterals, as they are attacked, will begin to 
take on the form and color above described. It is, therefore, not only 
possible to detect an infected plant without removing it from the 
ground, but also to determine the individual tiller infested. Now, while 
this feature of infested plants is so very clearly marked, at least after 
the larve are one-third grown, and from an economic standpoint of so 
much importance that it is surprising that it should have been over- 
looked, yet I can not myself lay claim to the fact by right of discovery, 
as it was pointed out to me by a farmer in the autumn of 1884, and was 


74 


the outcome of circular No. 1, issued in October, 1884, from Purdue 
University. It was only after testing the stability of this feature in 
various fields, under widely different conditions, that I placed full 
reliance upon its permanency. An illustrated circular of inquiry, No. 2, 
issued by myself from Purdue University during the fall of 1887, 
brought also a great number of replies, from among which I have 
selected the two following, because of their widely separated localities 
and the well-known ability of the writers: 


CLYDE, N. Y., December 9, 1887. 
DEAR SiR: In regard to the appearance of wheat plants infested with Hessian fly, 
and as illustrated and explained by Fig. 3 of circular, I believe that it is correct in the 
main, especially the darker color possessed by infected plants over healthy plants, 
and this is, as yousay, quite different from the information given by Fitch and Pack- 
ard; and you have published this quite constant and true form and condition for the 
first time, I believe. I had noticed this somewhat a year ago, and in bringing up the 
destruction done by the Hessian fly in a Grange meeting, I found that a number of 
farmers reported this very condition, viz: when fields or parts of fields looked extra 
dark colored and healthy, damage from the fly was to be apprehended there. Still, 
the yellow color came after a while, especially with early-sown winter wheat in a 
long autumn or the following spring. I think the spring brood are apt to select 

tillers. 
Truly, 
W. L. DEVEREAUX. 


Prof. F. M. WEBSTER, 
La Fayette, Ind. 


UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, 
Berkeley, December 15, 1887. 

Deak Sir: Your favor of November 238, with circular relating to appearance of 
grain infested with Hessian fly, received. The appearances you describe are quite 
characteristic of fly-infested grain here, but it is not seen in the fall, for we do not have 
any grain above ground at that time. The districts in which the fly is found in this 
State are of narrow area comparatively near the coast. In these parts it is not usual 
to sow grain until after the winter rains have wet the ground enough for plowing, 
and sowing can some years be made as late as the last of February, and still do well. 
It is better, however, both for the growth of the grain and baffling of the fly, to sow 
in January if the sgil is in proper condition. For these reasons we do not find the 
flaxseeds until about the first of March, and then it is that the grain assumes the fea- 
ture you describe. It is a very bunchy growth, with very few yellow leaves and ex- 
ceedingly few seed stems thrown out. On some of our plats there will not bea single 
stem, but the grain will remain bunchy and low for weeks, and then will turn yellow 
and die as the dry season comes on. On other plats there will be a seed stem thrown 
out here and there, and a few heads will ripen. 

Such is my recollection of the appearance of past crops. We do not intend to sow 
wheat and barley this year on our fly-infested ground, but the pest may follow our 
sowing on another part of the grounds, and if it will be of interest to you, I will 
watch the plants and send you specimens. 

Yours very truly, 
E. J. WICKSON, 

Prof. F. M. WEBSTER, 


15 ? 


If the soil is rich and the plants are attacked before they have til- 
lered, these last will be thrown out from the roots which are not 
injured. These, if the fall be very favorable, and the winter does not 
commence too early, will often winter through and produce stem-bear- 
ing heads the following harvest. On the other hand, if the autumn be 
dry, or the ground be frozen early in the season, the crop will probably 
prove a failure. Thisis the reason why some fields will present a much 
better appearance the following June, and give a much better yield 
than could have been anticipated from appearances during the fall. The 
practical value of knowing how to detect the infested plants readily 
is in that the destruction may be observed and the damage estimated 
long before the foliage turns brown or yellow, and the fields be plowed 
up and resown or allowed to remain, as the owner judges best. If re- 
sown, it would seem best to replow also. Mr. W. A. Oliphant, of Pike 
County, southern Indiana, writing me in the fall of 1884, in reply to 
circular No. 1, stated that of 300 acres he had resown 200 acres after re- 
plowing, and 100 acres without piowing. The first yielded him 274 and 
the last 11 bushels per acre. 

The popular notion in regard to the effect of larvce on the straw is, 
so far as I know, usually correct. This year, however, has been an ex- 
ception, at least so far as southern and central Indiana is concerned. 
As far north at least as La Fayette the larve of the spring brood were 
located just above the roots, and the straw did not break at the lower 
joints, as is usually the case, but either fell or was blown over from the 
roots, the culm usually being uninjured elsewhere. I observed this to 
a very limited extent at Oxford, Indiana, in 1881. In fields about La 
Porte, in the northern part of the State, none of this lower attack of 
the plant was noticed, the larvie and later the puparia being invariably 
found just above some of the lower joints. Mr. James Fletcher, Do- 
minion entomologist of Canada, reported at the meeting of the En- 
tomological Club of the American Association for the Advancement 
of Science at Indianapolis that the wheat about Ottawa, Canada, had 
this year suffered from the attacks of larve of the spring brood in pre- 
cisely the same manner as I had observed at La Fayette and south- 
ward. Quite a percentage of the pupz in the fields about La Porte 
were located so high up the stem as to render it probable that they 
would be carried away with thestraw. As yet I have not found a good 
reason for this difference, but have a vague idea that the killing down 
of the plants during the preceding March migbt have had something 
to do with it, as this was less severe in the northern part of the State. 


THE EFEECT OF THE WEATHER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FALL BROOD. 


It is quite probable that some autumns are more favorable for the development of 
the insect than others, but just what the favorable influences are is not well under- 
stood. Mr. Ratliff, at Richmond, saw an adult emerge from the pupa on October 16; 
the wheat which it infested appeared above ground on September4. Between these 


76 


two dates, Mr. Ratlift’s notes give the following record of minimum temperatures 
through which the insect must have necessarily passed. 


September 23: (frosh) cee bee oe ctccte canaica owes ene eee eee ene 26° 
October.G\(Mohttrost) eco. besa acer c see eee eee ae ea eee 26° 
October 17 (hghtirost) <s- <a h ani cee Seb eos G ae ee eee a eee 34° 
October 12 ight Trost) —.o.s222 Sos e oe sec ne oka a elee eee eee mee 26° 
‘Octoberl4(heavyarost)* aces: Giet ctecce. ec ee eeiseacee mae eee 24° 
October 5(Gast) ih esses ss cneet Caese oom Sa Dee nae anata eae eee 26° 
OstoberaG (Mehttrost). 5.2 gecce os cede. ocecenlee ene cece Ree ee 29° 


Rains on September 11, 26, October 10. Total precipitation during September and 
October, 2.50 inches. 

At La Fayette, the same year, I found adults ovipositing on November 3, but of the 
origin of these flies of course nothing wasknown. The temperature through which 
these must have passed, supposing the eggs from which they evolved were deposited 
after September 1, was as follows: i 


Min. temp. 
Septemberi2s ts-< cc dear Ws seeeioe eee ae ines a Sen ei ee eee ee ee 39° 
Esepiembenca((hirst irost)|-ss< sane cece ee eee once eee ee eee eee 
OGtoberd eso S see, Foe este em See ese ke er oe 39° 
October U2\(Grost) sips. tenho ccna p ieee cee coneee peers eee eee 7H)2) 
October 14 (frost) 22.6. 22 cone wees costes eee eee eee eee Eee 
Octoberd d ((EOSt) ie te 8. acc stele ciserace cee RSE ne eet eee eee ene 31° 
(OYG (0) 82) is OR eee a een cr a Meer rt So SOL AAs Gone 38° 
OctoberdOY(Grost) eos. o- 8 eee sees once eee eee ee eee ee eee a2 
October, 20°(ightisnow).jseseeas nee eee coats eee ee ee oe eee 37° 
Me halver Ol Feist kta aioe Aide foe ee See eee Ie ee ee 29° 
Octoperie2 ssceih sais fe te se eeiserd wae dae bere See Cie Get eee eee 219 
October olChrost))\2sc.01 cis.5 See Nao Sai eae Re eee 132 
October 2GK(irost) se oe acece ess see cee eee ee pee eee 
October aMrost) 22.2 see eae ee ae eae eee ea Eee eee 21o 
October 28 Grost) 4.5 tea ee Se ets eee eS ee 28° 
October 2b. Fast o. Pi girs ete Ue eee eee Ceo ee eer eee 33° 
Octoberis0 rost) s sce: Sac Seis oot ese Sec heee e eee eee oe ee eee 13S 
October Se sencc232s0 hs Se ceee es ces Ge yeaa eee eee eer EOE 28° 
Noeyember' (trout) 22. << dsswe se diee ce oS Sea. ea abn ee eee aes 28° 
Novemberi2"(frost) cae sesacoce cea smereninoee ceca eee Eee EERE ems OS 
Novermber!s (rest). cane cascs esse een eos eeee cece sae Seeeene ee 32° 


Rains on September 7, 13, 14, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, October 3, 9, 10, 12, 
23. Total rainfall, 4.64 inches. 

From this it will be observed that the adult flies may emerge and 
oviposit under what we suppose to be very adverse circumstances. To 
what extent the eggs and young larve are able to withstand such 
weather I have no facilities at present for demonstrating. The major 
portion of the small brood of flies, however, emerge during a more 
favorable period, and for meteorological aid against these we can only 
look to the dry, hot weather of July and August, though to the south 
a portion of September might be included. But the straggling indi- 
viduals, which, as I have proved, may originate from stubble, volunteer, 
or even early sown grain, and which I myself can find no satisfactory 
reason for not considering either the retarded or accelerated individuals 
of either one or the other or both broods, have it in their power to repro- 
duce a considerable progeny, which, though of themselves not a serious 


17 


menace to the crop, yet, added to that of the remainder of the brood, 
greatly increase the probabilities of serious damage. For thesea long, 
mild autumn, extending into December, would appear to be exceedingly 
favorable, as it would enable their progeny to enter winter in a com- 
paratively hardy state, and probably produce late appearing larve 
the following year simultaneously with or but little in advance of the 
progeny of the earlier appearing adults of spring. In other words, the 
one winters aS advanced puparia or unemerged adults, the other as ad- 
vanced larve or newly formed puparia. Itthus appears that while the 
autumn usually has little effect on the major portion of the fall brood, 
a mild October and November may emphasize the destructiveness of 
the pest. So far as observed by me, a damp spring, even though a 
cold one, is also favorable to the development of the insect, while dry, 
hot summers are as unfavorable, and cause serious mortality to the 
earlier stages of the fall brood of adults. 


PREVENTIVE MEASURES. 


These may be noticed as follows: Sowing at the proper time; burn- 
ing the stubble; rotation of crops; sowing long, narrow plats in late 
summer as baits; applying quick-acting fertilizers to seriously infested 
fields in the fall in order to encourage attacked plants to throw up fresh 
tillers, and to increase the vigor of these that they may make sufficient 
growth to withstand the winter. 

None of the measures are original with me, and in fact the most of 
them are as old as the history of the species itself. There is certainly 
much to be gained by the farmer in timing his sowing so as to avoid 
the larger part of the fall injury, and if all farmers of a neighborhood 
would sow about the same time even a serious outbreak would be so 
diffused as to lessen its injury. 

The burning of the stubble after harvest, when it is practical to do 
so, is usually recommended by the majority of writers. The plan is 
criticised by some authors on the plea that the parasites are also de- 
stroyed, which, if allowed to continue, would themselves overcome the 
fly. This idea has always appeared to me to be both theoretically and 
practically wrong. If only the normal number of wheat plants allowed 
by nature to spring up under a perfectly natural environment were pro- 
duced, then the theory would be correct, because nature would then be 
working out her plans from the beginning. As the facts exist hundreds 
of thousands of plants are produced where nature intended but one. 
Her domain is invaded and her law defied at the beginning. The Hes- 
sian Fly is itself a parasite, the wheat plant being its host, and what we 
term its parasites are practically only secondaries. In the Hessian Fly 
nature has an efficient servant in controlling the wheat plant, and the 
parasites of the former seem to be on guard to see that the duty is not 
overdone. Now we outrage nature and expect that she will uphold us 
by destroying these servants and permitting the indignity to go on. 


78 


With this state of affairs the American farmer has found that the Hes- 
sian Fly will be overcome by its parasites only temporarily, and then at 
the expense of a larger per cent of at least one crop. By burning the 
stubble we destroy all of the pest and also numerous other enemies 
which are to be found in the fields at the time. The present season, 
however, many of the flaxseeds were so situated that it is doubtful if 
enough heat would have reached them to have destroyed them. 

In.a rotation of crop the adults are obliged to travel about in seareh 
of the fields, and there is a greater chance of their being destroyed while 
thus engaged. This, however, has its exceptions, as we observed at New 
Castle, about 30 miles northwest of Richmond, Indiana, on November 17, 
1888. The whole field had been sown in standing corn, a portion of it 
about the 5th of September and the remainder considerably later. The 
early sown portion had been seriously attacked and at least 85 per cent 
destroyed; the later sown portion was only slightly injured, as was late 
sown wheat generally in the community. Here at the Indiana Experi- 
ment Station the plan of rotation is as follows: Corn one year, followed 
by oats one year, wheat one year, clover and grass two years. The 
wheat fields are never seriously affected by the ravages of the Hessian 
Fly. 

Sowing narrow strips about the fields, early in the fall, as decoys, was 
long ago strongly advocated by Dr. Fitch, but the advice has been, so 
far as I have observed, totally ignored by the farmer. While it is 
hardly possible to thus entrap the major part of the fall brood of larve, 
it is certainly possible to entice to these plats the stragglers and inter- 
lopers, which we have shown to be capable of considerable injury. In 
this way the farmer can, in a measure, continue the influences of sum- 
mer and winter in sharply separating and defining the two broods. In 
other words, while he can not eradicate the pest in this way, he can 
weaken its power to commit serious injury. It is very doubtful if the 
volunteer wheat, springing up after the wheat has been plowed, can be 
used as decoys, and if allowed to stand until the date of sowing the 
fields, these volunteer plants should, by all means, be plowed under 
as deeply as practicable, or grazed off by pasturing. Simply killing 
the plants will not do, as has been illustrated by the experience of Mr. 
Oliphant, previously cited, and by the observations of Professor Forbes 
in linois.* If volunteer wheat is allowed to stand at all,it should not 
be for over a fortnight. The proper time for sowing these decoys will 
probably vary with the latitude. For northern Indiana they should be 
sown during the latter part of August, and in the southern part of the 
State not later than the first week in September. To the north and 
south of this I have, as previously stated, no definite information as 
to the date of appearance of the fall brood of flies, and hence can not 
undertake to settle the date of sowing. These decoys should not be 
permitted to stand over four weeks at the farthest, and should be plowed 


* Bulletin 3, State Ent., Tll., p. 48, 1887. 


79 


very soon after the crop is sown, turning the infested plants under and 
thoroughly covering them. Simple cultivation, whereby the plants 
are only killed, would probably only destroy a portion of the insects, 
the full-grown larve very likely going through the remainder of their 
transformations. 

The application of fertilizers is, I believe, here in this State confined 
to the poorer soils, and there more for its general effect on the crops 
than as against the effects of insects. The idea in late sowing is to 
retard the plants so that they do not appear until after the greater part 
of the fall brood of flies have appeared and died, then to overcome 
the effect of this delay by aiding the plants to make the greatest possi- 
ble growth before winter closes in, which will the better enable them to 
withstand its rigors. In this direction, it would seem that the applica- 
tion of proper commercial fertilizers would pay by the effect upon the 
growing plants, even though the land itself was not in actual want of 
such treatment. The application to a field which has previously been 
seriously damaged, with a view of encouraging the throwing out of 
fresh tillers, is for practically the same purpose; and if thereis a tend- 
ency to throw out the later shoots freely, if not too late in the season, 
many may be enabled to secure sufficient vigor to sustain them until 
spring. Whether it would be more profitable to plow and resow than 
to try to secure acrop from the infested field by the aid of fertilizers 
is, of course, a question which each farmer must decide for himself in 
accordance with the time of year and extent of injury already done. 

These measures are all of them practical and entail little if any 
unusual expense. In fact, good farming presupposes that the most of 
them will be carried out as among the essential elements of the business. 
Where clover is to follow wheat it of course precludes the burning of 
stubble or the destruction of volunteer plants, but it necessitates the 
rotation of crop, and decoys can be sown and the seeding delayed. Te 
is hardly possible for a farmer to become so situated that he can not 
carry out some of these measures, and if this were done generally, and 
every year, the Hessian fly would, in all probability, become of so little 
importance that it would cease to enter seriously into the problem of 
successful wheat growing. 


Abbot’s white pine worm, 60. 
Acer saccharinum, 10. 
Agallia siccifolia on beet, 16. 
Agrotis, 46. 

spp. injuring beets, 14. 


Alfalfa crops injured by grasshoppers and army 


worm, 44. 
Allygus sp., on beet, 17. 
Alnus, 42. 
Aloes as remedy for scale insects, 36. 
Amarantus, 16,17. 
Ambrosia, 14. 
trifida, 54. 
Amphipyra pyamidoides, 55. 
Anisota rubicunda, 9. 
Aonidia aurantii, 20. 
Aphides found on beet, 17. 
Aphidide, prevalence of, in Missouri, 48. 
Aphidius, 48. 
Aphis ambrosize, 54, 
atriplicis, 17. 
brassice, 54. 
chrysanthemi?, 54. 
cucumeris, 17. 
mali, 54. 
prunifolii, 54. 
Apion sp. on beet, 16. 
Apple leaf skeletonizer, 59, 
Microlepidoptera injurious to, 51. 
Arabis, 47. 
Army worm damaging beets, 14. 
attacking alfalfa crops, 44. 
Arphia sordida, 59. 


Arsenites of ammonia, experiments with, 55, 61. 


Aspidiotus aurantii, 19, 26, 29. 
citrinus, 29, 36. 
perniciosus, 26, 27, 28. 

Athysanus (? sp.) on beet, 17. 

Atriplex, 13, 15. 

Australian lady-bird, 19. 

Beetles injuring beet leaves, list of, 14. 

beet roots, list of, 17. 

Beet insects, list of, 13. 

remedies against, 18. 
Black chrysanthemum aphis, 54. 
scab, 26, 28. 

Blissus leucopterus on beet, 16, 

Blister beetles on beets, 15. 

Boiis pesticata, 14. 

Brown scale, 26, 

Bruner, Lawrence, report by, 9. 


25910—Bull. 23--—6 


INDEX. 


Bugs on beet, 16. 

Caceecia fervidana, 50. 

Cecilius aurantiacus, 27. 
California insects, notes on, 19, 37. 
Caloptenus devastator, 44, 
Camnula pellucida, 44. 
Cankerworms, 46. 


Cantharis nuttalli destructive to beets, 15. 


Ceanothus, 42, 43. 

Centrinus penicillus on beet, 16. 
perscitus on beet, 16. 

Cercocarpus, 43. 


Cereal crops, report on insects affecting, 63. 


Chetocnema denticulata, 15. 
puliearia, 47. 


Chalcid parasites of Clisiocampa, 43. 


Characlea angulata, 55. 
Chenopodium, 14, 15, 16, 17. 
Cherry slug, 60. 

Chinch bug, 16, 46. 
Chrysanthemum Aphis, 64. 
Chrysopa, 48. 

Cidaria diversilineata, 55. 


Citrus trees destroyed by red scale, 19. 


Clisiecampa californica, 43. 
constricta, 42, 43. 
erosa, 42. 
thoracica, 42. 
parasites of, 43. 

Codling moth, 9, 

Colaspis brunnea on beets, 15. 


Coleoptera attacking beet leaves, 14. 


beet roots, 17. 

Colorado potato-beetle on beet, 16. 
Conotrachelus, 47. 
Copidryas gloveri, 14. 
Coquillett, D. W., report by, 19. 
Corn ear-worm, 9. 

flea-beetle, 47. 

root-worm, 9, 60. 


Cottony cushion scale, 19. 
Crambus exsiccatus, 58. 
Crategus, 42. 
| Cryptolechia nubeculosa, 50. 
schlegerella, 50. 

Cut-worms destructive to beets, 14. 
Cydonia, 45. 
Darapsa myron, 55, 
Datana angusii, 49. 

ministra, 49, 50, 5, 60, 62, 


Corrosive sublimate as remedy for scale insects, 34. 


82 


Deilephila lineata feeding on beet leaves, 14. 
Deltocephalus debilis, 58. 
inimicus, 58. 
sayi, 58. 
melsheimeri, 58. 
Desmia maculalis, 55. 
Devastating locust, 44. : 
Devereaux, W.L., letter, 74. 
Diabrotica, 55. 
longicornis, 9, 60. 
12-punctata, 14, 60. 
vittatu, 60. 
Disonycha cervicalis, 15, 
crenicollis, 15. 
triangularis, 14. 
xanthomelena, 15, 
Dissosteira carolina, 14, 59. 
Doryphora 10-lineata, 16, 55. 
Dried Crambus, 58. 
Echinocystis lobata, 16. 
Emblethis arenarius, 16. 
Empretia stimulea, 49, 55. 
Epicwrus imbricatus attacking beet, 15. 
Epicauta cinerea, 15. 
cinerea var. marginata, 15. 
maculata, 15. 
pennsylvanica, 15. 
Epitrix cucumeris, 15. 
Eragrostis major, 16. 
Erythroneura sp. on beet, 17. 
Euclea querceti, 48, 49. 
Eurycreon rantalis destructive to beets, 14. 
Euthoctha galeator on beet, 16. 
Experiments for scale insects, 32. 
False chinch bug on beet, 16. 
Flea beetles, 15, 47. 
Fluted scale insect, 19. 
Forsythia, 45. 
Fumigation for red scale, 20. 
Garden web-worm injuring beets, 14. 
Gas treatment for red scale, 20. 
Gelechia intermediella? description of larva and | 
imago, 53. 
roseosuffusella, 54. 
rubensella, 54. 
Geocoris bullatus on beet, 16. 
Glue as remedy for scale insects, 35. 
Gortyna nitela, 46. 
Grain Aphis, 47. 
Grasshoppers, 10, 44. 
Green-striped maple worm, 10. 
Hadena, 46, 
Handmaid moth, 60, 62. 
Helianthus, 14. 
Heliothis armigera, 9, 46, 55. 
Hemiptera attacking beet, 16, 17. 
Hessian fly, numberand development of broods, 63. 
effect of larve on plants, 73. 
effect of weather on development of 
fall brood, 76. 
preventive measures against, 77. 
Heteroptera attacking beet, 16. 
Hibiscus militaris, 15, 
Homoptera attacking beet, 16. 
Hydrocyanic acid gas as remedy for red scale, 19,20. 
Hy phantria cunea, 50. 


Icerya purchasi, 19. 
Ichneumonid parasites on Clisiocampa, 43. 
Ichthyura inclusa on willows, 50. 
Indiana, report of insects of, 63. 
Insecticides, experiments with, 54. 
Insects injurious in California, 19, 37. 
Indiana, 63, 
Iowa, 57. 
Missouri, 45, 
Nebraska, 9. 
to beets, list of, 13. 
Iowa, injurious insects of, 57. 
Jasside in grass, 58. 
Jassus inimicus, 58. 
June bugs attacking beets, 17. 
Koebele, Albert, report by, 37. 
Lachnosterna fusca attacking beet roots, 17. 
Lagoa crispata, 49. 
Leaf-hoppers attacking beet, 16, 17. 
in grass, 58. 
Lecanium hesperidum, 26. 
olez, 26, 28, 29, 31. 
Lepidium, 47, 
Lepidoptera injurious to apple, 51. 
beet, 13. 
Leucania unipuncta damaging beets, 14. 
Liburnia intertexta on beet, 17. 
Ligyrus gibbosus destructive to sugar beet, 17. 
Limacodes larve, 48. 
scapha, 49, 
Lime wash for scale insects, 32. 
Locusts, 10. 
Lophophanes inornatus, 44. 
Lophyrns abbotii, 60. 
Lygus pratensis on beet, 16. 
Mamestra picta attacking beets, 13. 
trifolii, attacking beets, i4. 
Maple, soft, 9. 
worm, 10. 
Melanoplus atlanis, 14. 
bivittatus, 14. 
differentialis, 14, 59. 
femur-rubrum, 14, 59. 
spretus, 14. 
Mercuric chloride as remedy for scale insects, 34. 
Microlepidoptera injurious to apple, 51. 
Missouri, injurious insects of, 45. 
Montilia, 17. 
Murtfeldt, Mary E., report by, 45. 
Myzus persica, 54. 
Nicholson, H. H., letter, 12. 
Nebraska, injurious insects of, 9. 
Nemobius vittatus, 59. 
Nysius angustatus on beet, 16, 
Opuntia engelmanni, 21. 
Orgyia leucostigma on sycamore, 50. 
Orthoptera injurious to beets, list of, 14. 
Osborn, Herbert, report by, 57. 
Papilis turnus, 59. 
Parasa chloris, 48. 
Pempelia hammondii, 59. 
Penthina chionosema, description of larva and 
imago, 51. 
Pezotettix olivaceus, 14. 
Pieris rape, 55. 
Piesma cinerea on beet, 16, 


_—— 


83 


Pine worm, 60. 
Phobetron pithecium, 49, 
Phyllotreta sinuata, 47. 
vittata, 47. 
Phylloxera, experiments with resin compounds 
on, 37. 
Plant lice, 47. 
Plochionus timidus, 50. 
Plum curculio, 47. 
Plusia brassicz attacking beets, 14. 
Potato stalk weevil, 60. 
Proteopteryx spoliana, description of larva and 
adult, 52. 
Psychomorpha epimenis, 55. 
Psylliodes convexior on leaves of beets, 15. 
Purshia tridentata, 42. 
Purslane bug, 16. 
Quercus agrifolia, 42. 
Red scale destructive to citrus trees, 19. 
gas treatment for, 20. 
Red spider, 26. 
Remedies against beet insects, 18. 
Resin compounds on phylloxera, 37. 
wash for San José scale, 27. 
Rhamuous californica, 43. 
Rhus copalina, 49, 
glabra, 49. 
Saddle-back caterpillar, 49, 
San José scale, 26. 
resin wash for, 27. 
Salt and lime wash, 32. 
and sulphur wash, 32. 
wash for scale insects, 31. 
Saturnia io, 49. 
Scale insects, methods for destroying, 19. 
Schizoneura lanigera, 26, 54. 
Selandria cerasi, 60, 
rose, 55. 
Silpha opaca, occurrence in beet fields, 17, 
Silver-top in grass, 58. 
Siphonophora avene, 47, 54. 
cratzgi, 54. 


Siphonophora pisi, 17. 
rose, 56. 
rudbeckiz, 54. 
Snout-beetles attacking beet, 15, 16. 
Sodworm, 58. 
Solanum nigrum, 15. 
Spharagemon equale feeding on sugar-beet, 14. 
Sphinx quinque-maculata, 55. 
Spilosoma isabella injuring beet leaves, 13. 
virginica injuring beet leaves, 13. 
Steganoptycha sp., description of larva, 52. 
description of imago, 53. 
salicicolana, 53. 
Stinging larve, 48, 
Striped flea-beetles, 47. 
Sugar beet culture, suggestions in regard to, 11. 
insects, 11. 
Sulphur wash for scaie insects, 32. 
Systena frontalis, 15. 
teniata var. blanda, 15. 
Tachina flies parasitic on clisiocampa, 43. 
Teniocampa, 43. 
Tetranychus telarius, 26. 
Tomonotus sulphureus, 59. 
Trapezonotus nebulosus, 16. 
Trichobaris trinotatus, 60. 
Trimerotropis latifasciata, 14. 
Trioxys, 48. 
Turf web-worm, 58. : 
Turnus butterfly, 59. 
Vedalia cardinalis, 19. 
Washes for scale insects, 27, 30, 31, 34. 
experiments with, 31. 
Webster, F. M., report by, 63. 
White grubs attacking beet roots, 17, 
pine worm, 60. 
Wickson, E. J., letter, 75. 
Wire-worms on beets, 17. 
Wisteria, 49. 
Woolly Aphis, 26. 
X. O. dust, experiments with, 54, 
Yellow scale, 29. 


© 


ee ean en ergs 
Ss. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 


DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 24. 


CM cola 2) 


BOLL WORM OF COTTON. 


A 
REPORE OF PROGRESS 


IN A 


SUPPLEMENTARY INVESTIGATION OF THIS: INSECT. 


MADE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST 


BY 


Be Wo MALLY, 


(PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.) 


WASHINGTON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 


Lig Quit, 


Pos. DE PARIMENT OF ARERICULTURE: 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 
BULLETIN No. 24. 


Gale cle 


mol \WOKM OF COTrOmN 


REPORE OF PROGRESS 


SUPPLEMENTARY INVESTIGATION OF THIS INSECT. 


MADE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE ENTOMOL@G 


BY 


FS We NEAT EY 


(PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.) 


Wars DONG ON: 
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 


IS: Ore. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS. 


Page. 

Metter ofssubmittal 7... css socces esas sae .e 22 cles ene ee sranecnsesnaee tees 3 
nbroduchione.=-- occ oes oe eee ee ee eee te ieee 5 
WEtteLOLbransmibtal eects. ees eee el eee et See 7 
They SoOlily ROW, Oli CO NIN Be = Stee soe seouen ides qaascdiosge Hogsuadssce Sacore 9 
IDS MECHIN EIGN) = 5 Bh b5 cage coeScdicado = onacchiaso deopacscosoesasqa te déosec $) 
Food plants obher than: Cotton oe sexs ao ere cm ner ws alee ae ime ae ol 12 
@haractersandtranstormatione -- #22 == oo once ono eer eee eee eee 14 
TUN GUO? Sodeoe coSAro cncaec es Aoebedba Yok pel Sid ela larS wis ote cade etole sire hemes 14 

Io l@evia: cee cos. ce soda Se ee ee aes A Sot eee eee eee ee 14 

TD DUE see ooe nate cAn seer oo se ee pode Somoce cee onnode tmnbod code sec5 3 20 

Mie mae: 245) eo Sees 5 Se Por Go dla. cel a See ete ee sa eee 22 
Nimbenot Droodseand hibe rn atiOne sete ce jem sise ea eter ete ee 25 
INaburalvenGmies «22s -iccem ha cccle cine kisemein= Seer so cteh epee inten. eta eee 27 

Vertebrates: Butcher Bird; Crows; Quails. 

Invertebrates: Podisus spinosus ; Leptoierna; Hrax lateralis; Ants 
LTrichogramma pretiosa ; Hexaplasta zigzag ; Tachina; Huplectrus 
comstochii. 

Insect ravages easily mistaken for those of the boll worm..............-. 28 
Buphonimimnelanchowed, ae ese ce cptwtese = ee eae ae eee eee eee 29 
FAKE ADO, RADUT DT 55 556 SaSOG0 BOON SO sob hou Paco hose 4456 to5sbos660 sao tCe 29 
CUTER ETE CROC QIN) <eacts sooGes GaaecHSObbSs sodas Epoacmoodco se sed cesses 30 
Prodenia: linedtell@sexa. ssa shh e = sisaists selects = sa =e oan eee nee ee 30 
Noctuid:(undetermined):. .. 3.5.22 Ascot eeclc. ose ea os leew een eee eee 30 
Piantwieel (Apis gossypii and Aptis S))s) aaireerent sei ertante literate ees 30 
JG) SN KO ees < /O  eeIEeg eIE STD OCUOROTOOS DOOGO ST ONOO Sra s 30 
LO Sy SOU Rie ae eee Sa OS er Rge § MeNn Eee an Saco ie rn Geto OER CDO Sons SOCK « 31 
Topping of,cotton androtation of crops:----.7. 5-2. ---—- 52. ssn) sence Sil 
Ba pIOW ING = Ap ees ie ees oe re ia ain lanes Meat elere et senate erate ates 31 
Corn, 2s protection ‘torcottons. = 5... sac-o4 eae = eae) See ee eee 32 
Mightsforaitracting themoths: 25. osc sees sees ae anee eee eeeees 33 
IPOISONEC: SWEOUS - 2 sss. she sale os oo cle cise ncioaie els = ie si vaeie mae eee 38 
Pyrethrumicee - 2 secs ascent e oe eee eee ce ee adios acts ae sete ee ee 39 

Experiments with dry powder.--.5-.-.- -ss--+ == -- ee as eae eee 39 

Wecoctions of Pyrethrumicscs sos 0a se ek oe See ene 42 

Other-vegetable insecticides. -=- tee ees see eee eee ee eee dt 

Meteorolocical considerations: 2-22 es ese eee eee eee eee eons 45 
Insect diseases..-- 225 ..n\. i celic antec ccalelo so euccinrelere oieiec Sal-elaene clotete me tceetee haretee 48 


9 


~ 


LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 


U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY, 
Washington, D. C., February 27, 1891. 
Sir: I have the honor to submit for publication Bulletin No. 24 of 
this Division. It consists of a preliminary report upon the special in- 
vestigation of the Cotton Boll worm (Heliothis armigera Hiibn.) which 
was authorized by Congress in the bill making appropriations for the use 
of the Department for the fiscal year 1890-91. 
Respectfully, 
C. V. RILEY. 
Entomologist. 
Hon. J. M. Rusk, 
Secretary of Agriculture. 


INTRODUCTION. 


The present bulletin consists of a report made by Mr. I’. W. Mally 
upon the progress of the special investigation of the Cotton Boll-worm 
which has been carried on under the Division since the appropriation 
became available, July 1, 1890. Mr. Mally has had charge of the minor 
details of the investigation, and has been constantly in the field since 
last July. He also summarizes the results obtained by Messrs. Me- 
Neill and Booth. The Boll Worm was treated at some length in the 
Fourth Report of the U. 8. Entomological Commission, and the chief 
object of the present investigation was to conduct further experiments 
with remedies, as well as to verify the value of those already employed. 
A thorough series of experiments has been planned with the diseases 
of Heliothis and allied insects, in the hope of being able to practically 
utilize them. Incidentally I have desired to ascertain new facts, if 
possible, and to verify or disprove what has been previously written in 
connection with the life history and habits of the species. 

The observers have all been hampered in their work by the unexpected 
lack of material. The funds were not available until the season was 
three-fourths spent. The observations so far made will, therefore, have 
to be supplemented the coming spring and summer. It transpires that 
the ravages of the Boll Worm have been overestimated, and that while 
from 20 to 30 per cent cf the bolls are damaged in an average season in 
Mississippi, only about one-third of this damage is done by this inseet. 
Several other species which do work somewhat similar to that of the 
Boll Worm are treated in this report. Some new food-plants have been 
found, and a careful study has been made of the habits and life history 
which are here treated with more care and detail than has heretofore 
been given to the subject. Twonew parasites have been discovered, and 
observations have been made which show that the egg parasite (Trich- 
ogramma pretiosa Riley) is an extremely important factor in the economy 
of this insect, as it is, also, in that of the Cotton Worm (Aletia xylina 
Say), and the Grass Worm or Fall Army Worm (Laphygma frugiperda 
Smith & Abbott). A careful count shows that 84 per cent. of the eggs 
were destroyed by this useful parasite. All of the old remedies have 
been once more tested, and the use of corn as a trap crop is again shown 
to be one of the most satisfactory means of protecting the cotton crop. 
The old subjects of attracting the moths to lights and poisoned sweets 
have once more been carefully considered, and my former conclusions 
have been confirmed, that there is little to be hoped for from either of 
these methods. The pyrethrum experiments, from which I had much 


5 


6 


hope, have not proved very favorable, while experiments with a large 
Series of other vegetable insecticides have given no practical results 
as yet. 

The experiments with contagious diseases can not be reported upon 
in any detail at the present time; but a large number of cultures of 
several diseases of the Imported Cabbage Worm, the Bronzy Cutworm 
and of two other Noctuids have been secured and carried through the 
winter. What may prove to be a specific disease of the Boll Worm 
has also been discovered, and cultures have been obtained. 1t results 
from the few experiments made that the Boll Worm is probably sus- 
ceptible to the Cabbage Worm disease, but positive statements can 
not be made until these experiments are confirmed by those of another 
season. <A bacteriological laboratory has been established at Shreve- 
port, Louisiana, and has been well fitted out with the necessary 
apparatus, so that work in this direction the coming season will not 
be hampered, except in the case of an unexpected paucity of Boll 
Worms. 

Ja, Vint abu 


LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 


SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, February 19, 1891. 
Srr: In compliance with your request | have made out a report of 
progress of an investigation of the History and Habits of the Boll Worm 
(Heliothis armigera Hiibner), carried on under your instructions since 
July, 1890, and submit the same herewith. The treatment of the various 
subjects is not at all in detail and has only been made complete enough 
to give an adequate conception of what has been done, the present 
status of the investigation, and what remains to be accomplished in 
the future. 
Very respectfully yours, 
EF. W. MALLY, 
Assistant Entomologist. 
Drs Uy VV. RILEY; 
United States Entomologist. 


1 


THE BOLL WORM OF COTTON. 
DESTRUCTIVENESS. 


The damage to corn by the Boll Worm is difficult to estimate, owing 
to the nature of the attack. Its ravages in the “ bud” of the young 
plants and later in the ends of the ears taken collectively no doubt are 
considerable, though no definite per cent can be given. Tomatoes, 
eucumbers, and melons also suffer more or less seriously from its rav- 
ages. It is the attack upon cotton which is considered most serious 
and supposed to be of great proportions. To determine the amount of 
damage to cotton in the regions visited the past season the following 
studies were made. The first was made August 14, in a large field of 
upland cotton surrounded by woods. ‘Two rows were taken at random 
in the field; the first was rank high cotton, the second a smaller growth. 
About 10 feet of each row were marked off and all the bolls on the 
plants in each counted. (See Table I.) 


/ 


| 1 Loss 
{ | Loss by lag 
tow. | Good bolls.) ;, , by other | Total. | 
| Boll Worm. Rana | bea 
Lhe Be 290 | 2 95 | 389 | 
ly sclae 
| 


Maecocie. a5 270 1 43 


The next study was made September 16, in a small field of rank 
bottom-land cotton. The first five plants were taken at random, the 
next fifteen successively in one row. (See Table II). 


TABLE IT. 


Plant Good bolls Loss by wae Total 
a . | 8. ee | I J cul. 
Boll Worm. anaes 
We ate S hereto 40 a 5 52 
Demise sare iays 21 2 13 36 
SVG Sse 4 2 0 6 
es 30 3 26 53 
ie 34 10 34 78 
Giaccone 19 11 20 50 
Y hm eee al 18 2 0 20 
oi ae 8 35 9 15 59 
Sse cree 17 9 12 | 3 

WOES sees 70 6 9 85 
1p ee eee nse 33 1 1 41 
Nee ae 4 9 5d 
WSiewt cee 2 49 0 4 53 
1 F eee 3 0 0 i 
ieaeensee 10 0 0 10 
1G coe. 33 | 2 2 37 
Ips ee ae 25 , 11 38 
1 pepsin feel 2 24 98 
it eee tf 0 3 20 
PRS eeresee i 0 0 | i 
Total 579 78 182 829 


9 


10 


September 17, a similar study of twenty-one successive plants was 
made in another portion of the same field. (See Table III). 


TABLE III. 


| l 

x Loss by | 
Plants. Worms. | Good polls.| plone other hore 

| : ly causes, 

exe 1 | 33 4 13 50 
ARE Pe 1 23 1 ] 25 
Soon 2 GO 3 2 | 65 
Lee fe 0 30\:"| 3 I yt 34 
Dcletermrs(a= 2 41 3 8 52 
62532525 0 65 3 0 68 
aterarai oie L 11 1L 4 16 
Beattie 0 29 1 1 31 
| ren eee 0 53 3 1 57 
1K (ae See 2 53 5 1 59 
ot ene ss 1 24 5 14 43 
Mp ae ne 0 63 6 25 94 
es - 0 24 0 5 29 
A: Ns rane pane 0 19 8 By 30 
a 0 23 9 12 44 
LDS een 3 88 13 20 131 
ics ae 0 22 4 5 31 
1 oe er 0 36 0 2 38 
1 Bee 0 14 0 0 14 
2 eee 0 20 0 11 3h 
yA Lea eae 0 49 6 39 94 
Total 13 | 780 78 178 1, 036 


Table I should not be included in the table of percentages, since its 
data were obtained early in the season, before the Boll Worm had really 
become well established in cotton. Omitting table I we have the fol- 
lowing table: 


TABLE IV. 


Percentages from Tables II and ITT. 


Loss mm 
Tahla ‘ Loss by r . Total | 
Table. | Good bolls. ‘Boll ge ably Teel 
| Per cent. | Per cent. | Percent. | Percent. 
|e CR | 690 | 092. | 218} = 310 
[SL oe Sage Ae, | 753 | 075 | TD ga tee 
Average - 71215 0835 «195 . 2785 | 


The four preceding studies were nade by a count of what was actu- 
ally found on the plants at the time of observation. September 18 only 
bolls and forms which had fallen were collected and examined. The 
result is given below : 


Number bored ‘by Boll Worm). ..-.si.-ceeeeateis- oc cc oem eatoeeptece meee nena 167 
Number’shed from.other :canses <2222< Gace ee eee oases oe cee eee eee eee eee 362 
Total2 sec sce Se oe ela oc ee ee Ce oe 529 


Taking the average of the total loss found in the same field on the 
two preceding days, and tabulated as Tables IT and III, and again in 
Table IV, these 529 bolls may be considered as equivalent to the count- 


ula 


ing of 1,900 bolls by the method of Tables If and IIL. 
therefore be given as below: 


This study may 


TABLE V. 
Number. | Per cent. | 
Goodsbollsteeees oa eee ho | 1, 371 722 | 
| Loss by Boll Worm....... 167 | 088 
| Loss by other causes .-....-..-..!/2.. 362 | . 190 
| 1,900 


Averaging this result with that of Table LV we have the table given 
below as the result: 


TABLE VI. 
Data, | Gooa bolls |, Loss by _| vaeen | Total 
| Boll Worm. | GAaeS. | loss. 
| 
| } 
Per cent. Per cent. | Per cent. | Per cent | 
Table V SPA) . 08385 195 . 2785 
Study V..--- . 722 0BBee | 290). TERBO 
sense 72175 | . 08575 -1925 | .27825 
} mee Beet BRN. aati hs 


The above calculations certainly give the 


3011 Worm as much eredit 


as it deserves, and for the following reasons: The observations were 
made after the cotton had been “laid by ” late in July, therefore the 
fallen bolls collected from the ground in September covered what had 
fallen during August and September. This is the period of greatest 
damage to the cotton. No cornfields near by to iessen and detract from 
the egg deposition on cotton. This in addition to the consideration of 
the injured fruit actually on the plants but which was likely to shed, 
certainly does not make the results arrived at much below the entire 
damage done during that period. 

Irom the results given above and from subsequent observation it is 
evident that bottom-land cotton 1s worse infested than the ‘ hill-coun- 
try” cotton. Further, even in the same field, as is shown by the record 
of plants 5 and 10 of Table If and plants 12, 16, and 21 of Table III 
large, rank, leafy cotton plants, bearing a great number of forms and 
bolls, are subject to much more serious attack. 

The number of forms and bolls which one worm may destroy during 
its period of existence can only be approximated. From the rate of 
feeding during favorable conditions and when the larval state is about 
15 days the number eaten into may range from ten totwenty. During 
the longer periods of larval existence caused by unfavorable conditions, 
the worms are inclined to move about more and perhaps injure more in- 
dividual fruits, though the absolute amount eaten is not much greater. 

What the extent of injury due to Boll Worm over the entire State of 
Mississippi was the past year will be seen from the closing weather 
and crop report of Prof. k. B. Fulton, observer, U. S. Signal Service, 


12 


University, Mississippi, from which is quoted the following: “In the 
southern part of the State reports show that on account of injury by 
Boll Worms and shedding, due to wet weather, the cotton crop will 
be short from 30 to 40 per cent. of last year’s yield. * * * In the 
northern section the Boll Worm did no material damage.” It may fur- 
ther be added that upon application to Mr. George E. Hunt, chief sig- 
nal officer U.S. Signal Service, New Orleans, Louisiana, for weather 
crop bulletins and the names of observers who had reported much 
damage to cotton by Boll Worm last season, he replied that no material 


Fig. 1. Heliothis armigera; full-grown larva eating into a to- 
mato—nat. size (after Riley). 


damage was done from that source and none had been reported by any 
of the volunteer or other observers. From this information as also the 
facts shown by the preceding tables it is quite evident that the depre- 
dations upon cotton by Boll Worms have been greatly overestimated. 
If the statements of planters living in the regions where observations 
were made are accepted, the Boll Worm was fully as numerous if not 
more so than in previous years. Nearly all agreed that the damage was 
fully up to the average, others thought it above the normal, but none 
estimated it as being lower than usual. These statements together 
with the almost daily reports obtained from interviews that *‘ one-fourth 
or one-third of the crop was being ruined” (?) led to above careful stud- 
ies. The results simply show that on the whole the planters fail to dis- 
tinguish the Boll Worm ravages from those of other insects, from phys- 
iological phenomena of the cotton plant, and lastly, from some of the 
fungoid diseases. In order to assist the planters in this matter a few 
observations have been added at the close on “ Other insect ravages 
easily confused with those of the Boll Worm.” 


FOOD PLANTS OTHER THAN COTTON. 


Corn.—The habits of the Boll Worm when feeding on corn have been 
so fully presented in the Fourth Report U.S. Entomological Commis- 
sion, pp. 359-361, that only such observations will be given as verify 


13 


important points or add to our knowledge of the species. The manner 
of attacking the ears of corn and the semi-solid excrement of the worm 
which is left behind along its path into the ear, paves the way and pro- 
vides a fertile soil for the germination and subsequent growth of all 
kinds of molds. The additional decay resulting in this way, aided by 
the ravages of Dipterous and other larve which revel in such matter, 
perhaps fully equals the actual damage done directly by the worm. In 
large fields of corn not often more than one large worm is found iva sin- 
gle ear, but when the fields are small, and especially when surrounded 
by cotton fields, there are often three or four nearly grown worms in a 
single ear, and perhaps as many more newly hatched ones. This is a 
direct result of the preference of the moth for the corn when the lat- 
ter is in close proximity to cotton fields and of suitable age. When the 
field is small the female often passes through it several times during a 
single flight, depositing eggs as she does so. Inthis way I have often 
observed the same female deposit eggs three times on the silks of 
an ear of corn during a single visit. This of course is not the normal 
method of deposition, and occurs only under the circumstances men- 
tioned. If it were so the numbers of worms would be greatly reduced 
through the agency of their cannibalistic habits, to be discussed here- 
after in considering the history of the worms. Other females visiting 
the field may also deposit on the same ears of corn, and soon. Asa 
result of this as high as fifteen to twenty-five eggs have been found on 
the silk of a single ear of corn, and in addition as many more on the 
husks and leaves. 

In regions where corn is cultivated extensively a second crop is 
planted late in July to produce a fodder crop by the end of the season. 
These fields are invariably badly infested. When these are near cot- 
ton fields they afford a great protection to that crop. 

Except on cotton, hereafter considered, no observations of special in- 
terest were made on any of the other well-known food plants, though it 
was noted that the tomato crop suffered severely from Boll Worm dep- 
redations. 

Other Plants.—As additional food plants of economic importance 
which are attacked by Boll Worm are to be mentioned the muskmelon, 
watermelon, and cucumber. The cucumber is attacked usually by eat- 
ing a hole near the base from below up into the center and then tunnel- 
ing the length of it to the anterior end. The melons are usually bored 
from the under side near the base, buf occasionally at almost any other 
point. The female was seen depositing on the following weeds: Helen- 
ium tenuifolium, Amarantus retroflexus, A. spinosus, probably KHrigeron 
canadense, and one undetermined species of Panicum. 

It was evident, however, that the young worms did not relish any of 
the above weeds as food plants and left soon after hatching. This was 
further verified by taking some branches of the plants just named to 
the laboratory and placing newly hatched worms upon them. They 


14 


fed sparingly upon the small flowers and tender stems, but soon left 
the branches and could not be induced to remain long. The female 
shows no inclination whatever to deposit her eggs upon the last-named 
host-plants except as they may be found in corn fields or near by 
From here the young worms can easily migrate to the corn plants near 
at hand, and from observations already cited it is quite probable that 
they do so. These last observations have, furthermore, led me to sus- 
pect that the female may occasionally deposit upon all weeds or other 
plants indiscriminately growing in a corn field and suitable for this 
purpose. 


CHARACTERS AND TRANSPORMATIONS. 
THE EGG. 


The egg is oval, the greatest diameter being very near the base. It 
tapers but little from the point of greatest diameter to the base, but 
slants much more towards the apex. The vertical diameter averages 
0.375 millimetres, the horizontal and greatest diameter 0.5 millimetres. 
The sculpture of the eggs consists of polar ribs with cross bars, giving 
them a checkered-appearing surface. When first deposited the egg 
appears nearly a pure white, but soon turns yellowish as the growth of 
the embryo begins, and deepens as the latter develops. After about 
25 or 30 hours that part of the embryo at the apex of the egg is notice- 
ably darker, and between it and the center of the egg a reddish or brown- 
ish band is formed. ‘The latter so far as can be seen extends only part 
way round the egg. 

This band is later absorbed into the body of the worm and the 
darker spot at the apex is found to be the head of the developing larva. 
At this stage the body of bhe worm can be quite definitely seen through 
the eggshell. 

The duration of theegg state varies somewhat, as will be seen hereafter, 
with the meteorological conditions prevailing at and immediately fol- 
lowing the time of deposition. One lot of eggs deposited in confine- 
ment at night and followed by two very hot days began hatching within 
45 hours. But of a number of lots of eggs deposited in confinement 
from time to time, the duration of the egg state was usually from 24 to 
3 or 34 days. This may be considered about the normal duration of the 
egg state. Several lots, however, which had been deposited during un- 
favorable weather did not hatch until after 4 days; ina few instances 
a few hours over 5 days. 


THE LARVA. 


The newly hatched larve, before they have taken any food, average 1.54 
millimetres in length, are sliohiny larger anteriorly, tapering gradually, 
as is Shown by measurements of the diameters of a fame of worms at 
the first, middle, and last segments, whose averages were 0.23, 0.20, and 


15 


0.14 millimetres, respectively. The general color of the body is white, 
with a yellowish tinge; head, black; a black or brownish shield-shaped 
spot on the dorsal surface of the first segment. 

Soon after they begin feeding the larvee turn darker and before the 
first molt are usually of a deep rose or brownish color. The piliferous 
tubercles are not yet very prominent. The true legs at first are slightly 


Fis. 2.—Heliothis armigera: a, egg from side; b, do. from 
top—enlarged ; c, full-grown larva; d, earthen cell with con- 
tained pupa; ¢, moth with wings spread; f, do. at rest—nat- 
ural size (after Riley). t 


dusky, but soon turn much darker, are hairy and provided with a small 
bifid claw. At first the first pair of prolegs seem to be a little less 
robust than the others, and hence may be slightly weaker. Obscure 
dark lateral patches are found on the prolegs, which at this stage are 
further provided with fine small hooks. 

By the time of the first molt the worm has attained a length of 5.62 
millimetres and is slightly larger in the middle. 

After the first molt the larva is at first of a yellowish color, but again 
turns darker rapidly when it begins feeding. The true prolegs become 
much darker, and at their insertion next the body a small dusky spot, 
both anteriorly and posteriorly, is found. The dark lateral patches on 
the prolegs are also more distinct, each proleg being now provided with 
nine small hooks. 

By the time of the second molt the larva measures 7.75 millimetres 
in length and is still a little wider in the middle. . 

Soon after the second molt the worm measures 8.75 millimetres in 
length. The most noticeable changes are, that the piliferous tubercles 
are now much more prominent; that the very small tubercles found 
thickly scattered all over the body first become quite discernable to 
the naked eye. 


16 


With the three subsequent molts there are no marked changes except 
in size and the distinctness in definition of the various colorings and 
markings of the body of the larva. 

The mature worm varies in length from 31 to 36 millimetres, with 
diameters of about 4, 5, and 4 millimetres at anterior, middle, and pos- 
terior regions, respectively. The head of the mature Boll Worm is never 
darker than a light brown, or, in the darker colored worms, mahogany, 
but may be paler according as the specimen is a lighter colored one. 
The true legs are dusky or blackish, as also the spots on the prolegs. 
The latter are now each provided with fifteen small hooks. 

The color of the body of the mature worms varies from all gradations 
of the darker or rose-colored specimens to those which are light-greenish 
with a faint rose tint or entirely light-greenish. The darker colored 
ones greatly predominate from about August on through the remainder 
of the season. The markings of the worms which are most frequently 
met with at this time are‘as follows : 

Along the median line of the dorsal region is a brownish or black- 
ish stripe containing inits center an interrupted white line. Next, the 
subdorsal stripe, which is lighter colored, and along which is found the 
first subdorsal row of piliferous tubercles. Below this is a subdorso- 
lateral stripe, which is usually about the same color as the dorsal one. 
The subdorso-lateral stripe is slightly wider at the center of each seg- 
ment,and within its borders are found two more rowsof piliferous tuber- 
cles. Next comes the lateral or stigmata stripe, which is usually pure 
white. Along this stripe are found the spiracles and one row of pilif- 
erous tubercles. Between the lateral stripe and the prolegs is a stripe, 
which is usually of the same color as the ventral surface, which latter 
is a uniform whitish. This sublateral stripe contains two rows of 
smaller tubercles. In many of the darker rose tinted specimens this 
stripe is often nearly a pure rose color, in which case the stigmatal 
stripe is also more or less tinted. Throughout all the stripes except 
the lateral and sublateral ones, and in these where they are colored 
other than white, are found numerous interrupted, irregular, white lines 
and spots. The stripes are all of a uniform width throughout, with the 
single exception mentioned. In the lighter colored specimens none but 
the dorsal and subdorso-lateral stripes can be distinguished at all, and 
often only the dorsal one. 

The first segment is provided dorsally with #, denser, calloused part 
irregularly shield-shaped and whichis pale brown or black, according 
as that is the general color of the worm. In the newly hatched worm, 
however, it nearly always appears as a very distinct black patch. This 
calloused portion has a distinct median groove dividing it into two 
symmetrical halves, each of which bear similar markings as follows : 

Four small pits in the form of a trapezoid, the posterior pair being 
nearest together; from each of these pits extends afine short hair. In 
the center and extending each side of the median line are two deep 


bi 


transverse parallel grooves. At the curved lateral regions of the shield 
are found slight depressions, and again one at the posterior end of the 
median line. The shield is further traversed by irregular lines or 
wrinkles, and in addition contains short white interrupted lines and 
spots much the same as those found in the stripes of the body. Dor- 
sally the second and third segments each have a transverse row of four 
piliferous tubercles. The fourth to tenth segments, inclusive, have each 
four piliferous tubercles, slightly larger than those of the second and 
third, and are arranged in the form of a trapezoid, the anterior pair be- 
ing nearest together. On the eleventh segment the four tubercles are 
arranged in the form of a square; on the twelfth the trapezoid is re- 
versed, the posterior pair of tubercles being nearest together. 

Laterally, the first segment is provided with a spiracle about which 
are two piliferous tubercles. Below there are two smaller tubercles 
which are usually contiguous and appear much like one tubercle from 
which two bristles project. The second and third segments each have 
two large piliferous tubercles, two slightly smaller ones and two still 
smaller. The fourth to eleventh segments inclusive each bear three 
tubercles arranged in triangular form about the spiracles with a fourth 
smaller one below them. ‘The twelfth segment usually has two placed 
contiguously, or nearly so. Ventrally the tubercles are all small. The 
fourth segment bears six small tubercles arranged so as to form the are 
of acirele. The fifth segment has two transverse rows of tubercles, 
four in each, the ones in the anterior row being wider apart than those 
in the posterior. The tenth, eleventh, and twelfth segments each bear 
a transverse row of four tubercles. All the tubercles throughout have 
projecting from them a short, stout hair, or bristle. 

The growth of the larvee is somewhat slower during their earlier 
stages than when half grown and approaching maturity. 

When nearing maturity the molts occur at shorter intervals. The 
intervals between molts become longer later in the season or with cold 
and unfavorable weather. Thus in August the first molt occurred on 
the fifth day after hatching, the second on the tenth, the third on the 
fourteenth, and the fourth on pupation, seven days later. September 
25 some eggs began hatching; the first molts occurred on the seventh 
and eighth days thereafter, the second on the fifteenth and sixteenth 
days; at this time the particular worms under observation made their 
escape and the interval of subsequent molts could not be recorded. 

The length of the larval state is longer later in the season. Thus at 
Shreveport, Louisiana, Dr. A. Rk, Booth reports that during August a 
worm matured and was preparing to pupate after having fed 15 days; 
another after 18 days. At Holly Springs, Mississippi, for the same 
month worms matured within 15 to 20 days after hatching. For Sep- 
tember worms hatched about the first of the month, matured in from 
21 to 26 days, while larvie hatched September 25 escaped after 18 days 
days and had only just inolted the second time. 

23024—No. 24 2 


18 


The first food of the worm is the eggshell from which it has just 
issued. No sooner is the young larva fully out of its shell than it crawls 
away once or twice its length, turns around, and eats the shell either 
entirely or but a portion of it. This done it crawls about a short time 
until it finds a spot suited to its taste, usually first spreading a few 
threads of a frail web. Under this the worm feeds on the epidermis of 
whatever surface it may have selected. Often they crawl but a short 
distance, drop themselves down by a slender thread until another sur- 
face is struck, when they crawl away as before and begin feeding. 

Before the first molt the larvae, feed principally outside of the young 
forms and squares on whatever surface they may be when hatched. 
At about the time of the first molts, or soon thereafter, they begin seek- 
ing out the forms, blossoms, and squares and begin their destructive 
work of boring into them. It must be stated, however, that from the 
first a few may be found to go directly to a small form or square and 
either boring through the involucre and thence into the blossom or 
fruit, or else first crawling between theinvolucre and fruit and then 
boring into the latter. Often, too, they at first simply hide behind the 
involucre, eating the epidermis from the inside and boring into the fruit 
later. Preferring the tender growing portions of the branches, the 
younger worms after finding them secrete themselves in the opening 
clusters of leaf and flower buds and begin boring. 

Their first feedings upon the leaves, whether on the upper or lower 
surface, are principally confined to the epidermis. About the time of 
the first molt they begin to eat small holes through the leaves. ‘This 
is not continued long, however, as at this time the worms begin their 
search for the forms and squares. During the younger period the worms 
feed most on the reprodutive organs of young forms or such as are 
nearly grown and opening. Some time later, after about the second molt, 
they begin boring more plentifully into the larger bolls. The older 
worms, while feeding principally in larger bolls, do not confine them- 
selves to them and are often found devouring a form or opening blos- 
soms. Due to their choice of food (speaking ouly of the bulk) the 
younger worms are found mostly on the younger tender-growing por- 
tions of the cotton plant, and the more nearly grown ones on the more 
mature portions. For a change the full-grown worm sometimes feeds 
on a leaf or eats through the green stem of a newly formed branch. 
Stems which were .25-.50 inch in diameter and having above them a 
number of forms have been observed to be eaten nearly through by 
them. A day or two after the branch would be found wilted or nearly 
broken off. 

The habits of the worm, as to the manner in which a boll is entered 
and the extent to which it feeds upon the same after it has entered, are 
also rather variable. The worm may pass in behind the involucre and 
bore into the boll from the inside, or if may choose to do so from the 
outside, eating through the involuecre and then into the boll. The hole 
is usually bored from the bottom and passes towards the apex; fre- 


19 


quently, however, the hole is bored about midway of the boll and passes 
straight in. As the worm thus feeds on the inside of the boll it may 
pass straight towards the apex, devouring only the section of the fruit 
which it has entered and then retreat, and attack another boll, or it 
may bore through the partition into a second section, devouring it, 
or the passage of the worm may be a slanting one from the first, in 
which case two or three sections may be entered before retreating. The 
worm seldom continues until it has destroyed all of the sections of the 
boll, though the remaining sections are usually made worthless by the 
decay which arises and spreads from the injured portions. 

The notion which some planters have that the worm eats in at one 
point on the boll and passes out at another is wrong, for if it ever does 
so it is certainly the exception. Occasionally, however, there are two 
holes in a boll similar to those which the Boll Worm makes and in- 
deed the Boil Worm has been the culprit. Observation, however, has 
proven that the Boll Wormoccasionally begins boring atone point, eats 
into it but ashort distance, retreats, and beginsa second hole at another 
point on the same boll. Sometimes, also, two worms are found attack- 
ing the same boll, which, when they have finished and left it, appears 
as if a worm had entered at one point and passed out at another. 

It is further believed by some that the Boll Worm travels only at 
night and feeds only late in the afternoon and evening. Concerning 
both it must be said that the worms avoid the extremely hot sunshiny 
part of the day, and prefer traveling and feeding during the cooler 
parts; but at the same time considerable range must be allowed for the 
whims of the worm, and other conditious which may arise to induce 
the worm to go from boll to boll during mid-day and often at high 
temperatures. As bearing on this it may be stated that often while 
making morning observations in the cotton fields worms were found 
in bolls. Without any disturbance these branches were marked so that 
they could be easily found for experimental purposes in the afternoon. 
In the afternoon it was always found that a number of worms had gone. 
to other bolls or even branches on the same plant. Occasionally, too, 
one would be found to hive left the plant entirely and could not be 
found. The changing of plants was not often done during the day, but 
was oftener found to be the case with those specimens which had been 
marked the preceding evening and were looked for the next day. The 
changing from boll to boll on the same plant may be frequently ob- 
served during the day. The time of day when the worms feed most 
vigorously is during the cooler portions cf the afternoon and evening 
and in the morning before the sun shines so hotly. 

After the killing frosts in late October and November the worms 
which had not yet matured were found to feed as best they could upon 
the berries of Solanum carolinense, and possibly, if forced to, would 
feed upon any other available green plant found in the cotton fields. 
Extensive observations on this point could not be made, since the worms 


20 


were not at all plentiful. It remains to be added that the larger 
Heteropterous insects, mostly Metapodius, were abundant upon Sola- 
num at this time, and that probably great numbers of the remaining 
immature worms fell a prey to them. 

The cannibalistic habits of the Boll Werm are also of importance and 
must be cousidered here. First to be mentioned in this connection is 
the fact that the Boll Worm devours its larval skin as soon as molted 
and does so before it begins feeding on vegetable matter again. When 
collecting worms from the fields considerable care must be exercised to 
have a box or basket large enough to receive some foliage, in order that 
the worms may not injure and destroy each other before reaching the 
laboratory. In the breeding cages the Boll Worms not only attack 
each other, but almost any other larva placed in the arena. In astate 
of nature they have not been observed to deliberately attack each other 
except in corn, especially when the field was a small one, and great 
numbers of eggs are deposited and hatched on the same plant, so that 
an unnatural number of worms expect to feed upon the same ear of 
corn. The same may be said concerning the “bud,” if the plant be 
young yet. 

In several instances where such small fields of corn were found near 
large cotton fields, examination of the ears resulted in finding from three 
to six worms of various sizesin them, A day or two later when the 
same ears were examined some of the smaller ones were found to be 
badly bitten (enough to cause death), and some dead ones whose bodies 
gave evidence of a violent death. None of the worms had been de- 
voured, and it seems that the warfare had been brought about by the 
worms intruding on each other’s territory, as feeding progressed, and 
that nothing more was done than would maintain their positions. 


THE PUPA. 


A number of Boll Worms which had been fed on bolls in breeding 
-cages matured and were placed in a fruit jar about two-thirds full of 
earth. The worms at once entered the earth, formed their cells, and 
pupated about 2 or 3 days after. The pupa is a beautiful green at first, 
but soon turns to a light brown or. mahogany. When all the worms 
had pupated the earth was examined to determine something about 
the depth of the burrows and cells and the manner in which they were 
made. The earth had been recently placed in the jar and was quite 
loose when the worms were placed on it. The depth of the burrows 

varied from 25 to 5 inches and throughout their course were partially 
filled with loose earth. The cells were all much larger than any part 
of the burrows and extended upward from the end of the same. One 
worm had come to the surface of the glass in making its burrow, 
and was observed while making its cell. The worm seemed to test 
carefully every part of the wall of the cell to see that all was firm. The 
whole surface was then thinly coated with a sticky fluid, at the same 


21 


time adding a small amount of webbing. The latter was plainly to be 
seen on the glass of the jar. 

Some of the mature Boll Worms which had been left in the breed- 
ing cage without earth pupated unprotected on the floor of the same 
and later issued as moths. In another instance, however, the mature 
worm had been left in a newly-made breeding cage. The next morn- 
ing the worm was found to have nicely webbed together the sawdust 
accidentally left in the corner, and had formed a neat little cell, which 
might almost be called a cocoon. This shows plainly that the Boll 
Worm is capable at least of spinning a certain amount of web for its 
cell, whether it always does so to so great an extent or not. 

It was stated above that the worms pupated about 2 or 3 days 
after having entered the earth. This, however, applies only to the 
months of August, September, and October. Later the time is longer, 
as is shown by the following observations: On November 1 a mature 
Boll Worm from a breeding cage was taken to a cotton fieid and placed 
on solid earth, a large open tin can being placed about the worm so 
as to compel it to make its burrow under observation. The work of 
digging its burrow was begun at once, and by the next day it had dis- 
appeared below the surface. A small conical-shaped mound of loose 
earth was formed about and over the opening of the burrow. On No. 
vember 4 two other mature Boll Worms were similarly placed in open 
cans, the one on solid earth, the other on earth which had been dug up 
and made very loose. So faras could be seen without digging the bur- 
rows were nade exactly as the one just mentioned. 

On November 14 all the burrows were carefully followed up with a 
small trowel, to determine depth, condition of the burrows and cells. 
The worm placed on solid earth, November 1, had proceeded as follows: 
Down for an inch, then slanting at about an angle of 120 degrees for 
2 inches more when the cell had been made upward. The cell was 
about anineh and a half long, and was therefore within an inch or less 
of the surface. Very little webbing was noticeable along the burrow, 
and but little in the cell. The burrow was about 0.25 inch in diameter, 
larger at the distal end, aud contained a small amount of loose earth 
along its entire length; also a plug of loose earth about 0.25 inch long 
at the distal end next the cell. Having been in the earth 2 weeks, I 
was surprised to find that the worm hadnot yet pupated. The burrows 
and cells of the other two worms were examined, but no special differ- 
ence worthy of note was found. The peculiar facts in all were: (1) 
That the cells were all inclined and higher than the lowest part of the 
burrow, thus bringing the pupa above the latter; (2) that the cells 
were so near the surface; (3) that the larve were all found with their 
heads at the upper end of the cell, wherefore the pup would have 
been found with the anterior portion highest and resting on posterior - 
end; (4) that they had not pupated after having been in the earth so 
long a time. 


22 


The duration of the pupal state as noted by Dr. Booth for August to 
September 2, was 10 to 11 days. At Holly Springs, Mississippi, a 
number of worms pupated between August 28 and 3l. Some of the 
pup issued after 15 days and others not until after 27 days. Two 
others which had pupated September 4 and 7 issued September 20 and 
30, making 16 and 22 days for the pupal state, respectively. Another 
worm pupated August 31. This pupa was alive, but had not issued at 
last observation, October 20, when it was injured and died later. 

For deseription of pupa see Fourth Report, U. 8. Entomological Com- 
mission, p. 371. 


THE IMAGO. 


For description of the moth see Fourth Report, U. S. Entomological 
Commission, p. 371. 

The sexes of the Boll Worm moth can usually be readily recognized, 
especially if but a short time has elapsed since their issuance. After. 
the females have deposited most of their eggs and their wings have 
become worn and battered the sex is less easily distinguished. The 
body of the female is noticeably more robust than the male; especially 
the abdomen, which is distended somewhat by the eggs which are being 
matured. The end of the abdomen is ovoid, acute, the tip not provided 
with so large a tuft of thick hairs as is that of the male. The abdomen 
of the male tapering more gradually is slightly longer, of less diameter, 
and more cylindrical. 

When feeding or ovipositing, the flight of the moth is much slower 
than when flying long distances. The moth approaches a flower or 
gland, often steadying itself with the fore legs, in any case fluttering 
its wings rapidly, with antenn in constant motion. Sometimes they 
alight to sip sweets, or perhaps to rest; in either case the wings are not 
closed down upon the body, but are partially spread and elevated, leav- 
ing barethe abdomen. If, however, the moth alights to hide, the wings 
are folded down closely upon the body. Much the same flight is ob- 
served in the female when ovipositing, sometimes alighting to do so, 
but usually only steadying herself with the fore legs. In the act of 
oviposition, the abdomen is bent forward sickle-shaped, bringing the 
apex squarely upon the surface to be deposited on. The time occupied 
in depositing an egg in this manner is equivalent to the time it requires 
to count three or four slowly. At this rate, and in the interval of flying 
about from plant to plant, some half dozen eggs are deposited, when 
the moth is seen to fly away. So far as can be determined these inter- 
vening flights are for the purpose of feeding and rest from labor. 

Though the habits of the Boll Worm moth have been classed as noc- 
turnal, and they are principally so, yet its diurnal habits are perhaps of 

. geater importance than has hitherto been supposed. During continued 
daily observations on the Boll Worm in the field the moth was frequently 
seen flying about, and at times observed to feed. Upon closer obser- 


23 


vation it was found that on pleasant sunshiny afternoons the moths 
flew about quite plentifully, feeding freely during their flight. Often 
while standing in a patch of cowpeas, from about 3 p. m., have I ob- 
served the moths, without any previous disturbance, rise here and 
there, fly about the pea blossoms or the glands at the base of the young 
pods, sip their exudations for a few minutes at atime, and then fly away 
a short distance, alight to rest and hide. In the early part of the 
afternoon the length of their visits to the pea blossoms are short and 
the time of their hiding longer than later. About 5 to 6 p. m., when 
the sun is yet quite high, the moths begin to fly for a longer time and 
their hidings are of shorter duration. 

My own experience with the moth has been that it feeds freely from 
about 4 p.m. until sundown, when the females begin depositing their 
eggs, feeding being apparently a minor matter at thistime. ‘The moths 
thus seen flying about in the afternoon are not confined to one sex, 
though the males predominate during the earlier period until an hour 
or so before sundown, when both sexes appear presumably in about 
equal numbers. The favorite food of the moths at daytime are the 
blossoms and other secreting glands of the cowpeas; they also feed freely 
on clover and Helenium tenuifolium. During the day the moth is seldom 
met with in the cotton fields either as feeding or by being flushed. It 
therefore appears that daring the day the moth prefers to hide and 
feed upon plants some distance away from the cotton fields. During 
twilight and night the moths are found abundantly in corn and cotton 
fields, and feed almost entirely upon the exudations of the various 
glands found on the cotton plant. 

But not only are the feeding habits of the moth partly diurnal but 
also those of the deposition of eggs. Though on several oceasions a 
moth was seen depositing eggs on corn, and once on cowpeas in mid- 
afternoon, the habit is not one of frequent occurrence. 

These diurnal habits of feeding and oceasional deposition are of great 
importance in the consideration of the utility of lights as traps for 
catching the moths at night, and will be taken up more fully in that 
connection. 

The number of eggs which a female may be capable of depositing 
is difficult of absolute determination, but has been shown to be much 
ereater than was supposed. A female which had issued in confinement 
was placed in a breeding cage with a male which had issued the suc- 
ceeding day. Five days after deposition of eggs began, and continued 
for 7 days. During this time 687 eggs were laid. Unfortunately, 
the female which was thus under observation after having died became 
mixed with other dead specimens on the table and hence no dissections 
were made with a view of determining whether any well developed 
eggs remained in the abdomen or whether the number of potential ova 
was great. A female captured August 5, and confined in a box de- 
posited 627 eggs in one night. Another, captured August 8, and 


24 


kept in the same manner, deposited 468 in one night. Another, cap- 
tured August 14, deposited 505 eggs the first night, was kept in a 
tin box without food during the next day and deposited 125 eggs more 
on the second night, making 630 in all. The first female spoken of 
above as having deposited her 687 eggs on seven successive nights did 
so as follows, beginning with the first night and continuing in order: 
49, 5, 10, 436, 147, 22, 18; averaging 98 per night. 

The life of the moth was probably shortened by confinement, and 
therefore the average number of eggs deposited each night is entirely too 
high for oviposition under normal conditions. The record, however, 
shows that a climax in egg deposition is reached after a certain period. 
(The possible importance of this fact is considered under the head of 
lights as traps for the moth.) The total number of eggs deposited by 
the four females above noted was 2,413, averaging 603 per moth. But 
the number of eggs deposited in one night by the moths captured and 
confined show that their period of greatest egg deposition had already 
been reached by them. Judging from the record of the moth whose 
deposition of eggs was observed from the first, it seems safe to suppose 
that probably each of the other moths had deposited about 50 eggs 
previous to being captured. *This would raise the average to 653 eggs 
per female. But again, from dissections of the females thus observed in 
confinement it was found that a number of well developed eggs re- 
mained, and usually also a great number of potential ova. The aver- 
age of 653 eggs per female is therefore certainly not too great and proba- 
bly much too small. 

What the number of eggs deposited in one night ina free state of 
nature are can only be approximated. As has been stated the female 
deposits four, five, or more eggs in succession, then flies away, feeds 
or rests a time, afterwards repeating the process. The interval of 
nondeposition is necessarily variable, though as near as can be deter- 
mined about 5 to 15 minutes. How long deposition is continued dur- 
ing an evening is also not to be definitely stated, though it is noticeable 
that the moths begin to decrease greatly in numbers soon after 8 o’clock, 
thus approximately the time is about 2 hours. From these data it may 
be approximated that from about 30 to 60 eggs are normally deposited 
inasingle night. For the nights during the period of greatest deposi- 
tion, the number deposited is probably much larger. 

Upon the number and distribution of the eggs upon the various parts 
of the host plants the following data are collated: By actual count the 
number of eggs found on five corn plants is as follows, in averages: per 
plant, 74 distributed as follows: tassel, 10; leaf sheaths, 10; leaves, 
14; husks of ears, 15; silks, 25. The above count was made in a small 
patch of corn surrounded by cotton fields with no other corn near, 
wherefore the number of eggs per plant was perhaps greater than on 
plants in larger fields of corn. (This point will be considered more fully 
under corn as a protection to cotton, which see.) Of five cotton plants 


25 


the number and distribution of eggs in averages was as follows: per 
plant, 7; leaves, 4; involucre, 1; stem and petiole, each, 1. These are 
the data for plants examined at random at different times while mak- 
ing observations. Bearing upon the choice of the place of deposition 
the record of the female already spoken of as depositing in confinement 
is interesting, and for the whole period of deposition was as follows: 
on leaves, upper side, 37; under side, 110; stem, 23; petiole, 51; in- 
volucre, 4; 

The eggs are deposited upon quite a number of host plants. Corn is 
unquestionably preferable if not too near maturity. Cotton perhaps 
ranks next, though they deposit freely upon cowpeas. In addition to 
these the moth was observed to deposit on the flower heads ot Helenium 
tenuifolium, Amarantus spinosus, and A. retroflecus with Datura stra- 
monium, upon which the moth feeds occasionally, Mrigeron canadense, 
and a species of Panicum, on the doubdtful list. Deposition was not. 
actually observed on any other host plants, though presumably the moth 
will deposit on those plants upon which the worm is known to feed. 

The food of the moth is quite diversified. During the night, so far 
as observed, the secretions of the various glands of cotton seem to be 
their main food, while during the day the same may be said of cow- 
peas, Helenium tenuifolium, and to a lesser degree of newly protruding 
corn tassels; occasionally, Amarantus retroflecus, A spinosus, Datura 
stramonium, and perhaps some of the grasses. There may be many 
other flowers, glands, possibly also fruits, which are visited, but which 
did not come under observation. 

The regular flight of the moth is very swift and never very high. In 
flying some distance in a cotton field it seldom rises to the level of the 
tops of the cotton plants, but flies lower, darting this way and that be- 
tween the plants and foliage in the rows, and in this way from row to 
row across the field. This manner of flight is also of importance in ad- 
justing lights as traps for them, and is referred to its appropriate 
heading. 

During the greater portion of the day the moths remain hid. If in 
corn field they are found down behind the sheath of the blades of the 
stalks, about two or three feet from the ground. But most of the moths 
hide outside of both corn and cotton fields, around the edges in the 
weeds, under dried grass and rubbish, or in adjoining fields of clover 
or cowpeas. When found hiding in these places they are usually upon 
or near the ground, wings folded upon the body, and so located that a 
dried blade of grass or other object quite completely hides them from 
view. 


NUMBER OF BROODS AND HIBERNATION. 
Observations having only begun in August, the notes taken begin 


with the fourth brood. which is the one which first begins to deposit 
freely on cotton. 


26 


The broods overlap each other mostly as a result of a difference in 
the rapidity of growth of many of the worms. One lot of Boll Worms 
obtained from eggs deposited in a breeding cage by a single female in 
a Single night, and later hatched on the same date, were reared under 
the same conditions. Some of these worms matured and entered the 
earth for pupation, while others were yet but half or two-thirds grown. 
Due to such great irregularity in the length of the larval state fresh 
females of the fourth brood may be found along with the first to issue 
of the fifth brood in September. Not much work of the Boll Worm in 
cotton is noticed until August or early in September. From abcut the 
middle of September the moths of the fifth brood begin appearing, 
and continue to the last of the month, or even the first of October, 
after which time they are not often met with. At least a partial sixth 
brood begins appearing late in September and early in October, and 
consist principally no doubt of those individuals that have undergone 
their transformations rapidly. That all of the sixth brood does not 
appear is evident from the fact that they are fewer in number than any 
of the earlier broods. Hence many of the pup of the fifth brood of 
moths pass through the winter as such and form a part of the first 
brood in spring. The moths of the last brood appearing so irregularly, 
worms hatched from eggs of this brood are found in all stages as late 
as November 20 to December 1. At Shreveport, Louisiana, during 
this period Boll Worms were found on cotton which had only molted 
the second time and were therefore only about one-third grown. 

But this irregularity in duration of certain stages of the insect is not 
confined to the larvie, but to the pup as well. Of a number of pup 
which had been kept over from September and October one issued at 
Shreveport, Louisiana, December 12. Whether the moths, if there be 
many which issue at this time, hibernate as such or deposit their eggs 
at once and die soon after, has not been determined positively. If the 
latter be the case, the progeny will certainly be entirely lost, since no 
living food plants are found at this period. The Boll Worms which were 
yet immature at the time of the killing frost early in December were 
quite certainly destroyed, as nothing remained for them to feed upon. 
As to whether the moths hibernate, I can only say that close and con- 
tinued search during December has failed to discover the moth. This 
may not be surprising, however, since certainly the moths which issue 
at so late a date, and which would therefore be likely to hibernate, are 
very few in number, and hence would be met with perhaps only acci- 
dentally during the winter season. Though a few moths issue at so 
late a time as has been mentioned, the other extreme is also met with 
in the pupal state. Evidence of this is the fact that several pupe 
which were obtained from breeding cages late in August had not issued 
up to November, when they were still alive, but were accidentally in- 
jured and died. 

It must be kept in mind throughout in speaking of certain stages of 


27 


the species that a majority only of that stage is referred to. It should 
further be remembered that these observations apply only to the north- 
ern region of “the cotton belt” and doubtless can be much enlarged 
upon by observations in more southern portions. 


NATURAL ENEMIES. 


The fact that the Boll Worm was so scarce during the past season 
precluded making extensive observations along this line. 

Among the vertebrates only circumstantial evidence was obtained. 
In one instance where the dissevered wings and torn bodies of Helio- 
this were found under and near a large tree in a cotton field it was 
also found that a “ butcher bird” had .its nest on one of the upper 
branches. Another was the case of a negro tenant, who complained 
about the crows lighting on his corn plants in the field and eating into 
the end of the ears. Upon examination it was found that the corn was 
badly infested with Boll Worm. This alone could not serve to estab- 
lish the fact that crows picked into the ears for the primary purpose of 
feeding on the worms. Feeding on the tender grains of corn beneath 
the husk quite probably an occasional small Boll Worm was eating. It 
is also probable that still others will be injured by the pecking into the 
ends of the ears. The crops and stomachs of a number of quails were 
examined and though they had them shot about cotton fields no Bell 
Worms were found in these parts of their digestive organs. Upon vis- 
iting the fields abont which they had been shot no Boll Worms could 
be found and the negative result has therefore no great significance. 

A common species of Soldier bug (Podisus spinosus) was found de- 
vouring a large full-grown Boll Worm. An immature capsid (near 
Leptoterna) was overlooked and left on a branch of cotton placed in a 
breeding cage for a female to deposit upon. Soon after deposition 
some of the eggs showed signs of shriveling and were supposed to be 
sterile. Close examination, however, led to the discovery of the de- 
stroyer, which was as yet but a pupa. The eggs being nearly empty 
it was evident that the pupa had punctured the eggs and sucked their 
contents. The same pupa was then placed on a branch of cotton with 
some newly-hatched Boll Worms, all of which fell victims to its beak. 
A common species of the robber flies (Hrax lateralis) was also seen to 
catch the moth while on the wing. 

No observations could be made upon ants in relation to the Boll 
Worm, since the latter were not abundant enough for that purpose. 
The ants have been watched on corn for an hour without noticing an 
attack upon the eggs found deposited there. They are occasionally 
Seen to enter the holes through the husks into the ears, but I did not 
observe that they went in for the purpose of attacking the Boll Worms. 
They only sipped freely of the juices and ferments of the injured kernels 
of corn and the excrement of the worms. Sometimes dead worms are 


28 


found in the ends of ears into which ants have entered, but the condi- 
tion of the worms plainly indicates that they had not been bitten or 
tormented to death. In fact, worms under similar conditions, except 
the absence of the ants, are often found, but from which parasites are 
usually bred. A nearly grown Boll Worm was placed in the path of a 
great army of ants, but was not caused any great inconvenience by 
them. Sometimes an ant would run up on the back of the worm, but 
the twisting, jerking, and rolling of the worm soon displaced the in- 
truder and the worm escaped uninjured. 

Of the three parasites, the one attacking the eggs (Trichogramma 
pretiosa) is most important, though there are at least three others at- 
tacking the worms. A small Chalecid* was bred in great numbers from 
a Boll Worm captured in the field and transferred to a breeding cage 
torear. The worm had been dead for a day or two before the para- 
sitic larvee issued from its body. These did not form silken cocoons 
but pupated nakedly on the side of the glass bottle. At least two 
species of Tachina deposit their eggs on the backs of the worms. The 
one deposits a pure white egg, the other a deep brown or black one.t 

Both kinds are of the usual form and size of Tachina eggs. Great 
difficulty has been experienced in rearing the dipterous larve after 
issuing from the dead body and I have thus far obtained no adults. 

As already stated, the most important parasite is the small T'richo- 
gramma of the egg. The number of eggs which were found to be de- 
stroyed by this parasite was simply amazing. In small patches of corn 
near cotton fields it was noticed that of the many eggs found on the 
husks and blades but a few retained their normal color, but soon tarned 
dark or entirely black. Of the 57 eggs taken from some 8 or 10 corn 
silks from this field October 18 only 7 hatched. The remainder were 
kept in a vial for a time, when later the parasites issued in abundance. 
In this-instance 84 per cent of the eggs had been destroyed by the 
parasites. This per cent may be a little too high for the average, but 
judging from the large majority of eggs seen on the plants, which were 
black and evidently parasitized, it is certainly conservative to say that 
during the Fall season 75 per cent of the eggs are destroyed through its 
agency. 


INSECT RAVAGES EASILY MISTAKEN FOR THOSE OF THE BOLL 
WORM. 


Owing to the fact that many planters attribute all of the shed forms 
or bolls which show any signs of insect attack to the work of the Boll 
Worm, it seems advisable to treat briefly of « few other insect depreda- 
tions which are not well understood by them, and whose marks upon the 
fallen squares may readily be mistaken by an inexperienced eye. 


*This was Hexaplasta zigzag, and is a parasite of Phora and not of Aletia, Phora 
being a scavenger on dead larvee of all kinds in the South.—C. V. R. 

tNo black Tachinid eggs are known, and these were doubtless the eggs of Hu- 
plectrus comstockii.—C. V. R. 


29 
EUPHORIA MELANCHOLICA. 


These beetles, together with the four species of larvee immediately 
following, are perhaps ot greatest importance in this connection. The 
first observation upon this species was made at Lamar, Mississippi. 
It led me to believe that the beetles did original boring into the bolls in 
order to reach the soft parts and their juices inside. Subsequent ob- 
servations have not verified this opinion. The beetles observed at 
Lamar were found on a boll with their heads inserted into a small per- 
fectly round hole about an eighth of an inch deep, or just deep enough to 
reach the soft parts beneath the pericarp. Few Boll Worms had been 
found in the field, and it seemed quite probable that the beetle had eaten 
out the cavities themselves. At Holly Springs, Mississippi, where the 
‘beetles were found quite plentifully in some fields, none were ever again 
seen under similar circumstances. 

Flying about among the cotton plants during an afternoon they would 
be seen to alight on some boll which had been recently bored by the 
Boll Worm, but which had alreaidly been deserted by it. Here the 
beetle would sip of whatever juices there might be coming out of the 
injured boll. This is quite profuse at times, especially from those bolls 
of which the Boll Worm has but partially destroyed a certain section. 
From these proceeds a profuse frothing ferment, highly relished by the 
beetles, for occasionally two or three may be found at such bolls. 
When no boll with this tasteful exudate is found, they often alight on 
the tender-growing portions of a branch where leaf and flower buds 
may as yet be found but partially developed. They crowd down be- 
tween these and puncture the tender and juicy peduncles, nearly 
always attacking those bearing flower buds. The small form supported 
by this peduncle dries up just as those bored by the newly hatched 
Boll Worm, and when dried enough to fall readily can not easily be 
distinguished from young Boll Worm work. Witha view of determin- 
ing whether the beetle ever did original boring upon cotton bolls if left 
to its choice, a number were placed on branches of cotton in a breeding 
cage, so as to be kept under observation. The results of these studies 
during confinement showed plainly that the beetle did its most injurious 
work by puncturing peduncles bearing forms or puncturing the very 
small bolls ; in either case they were alwaysshed. It therefore appears 
that if the beetle bores or eats into bolls at all, it certainly is an excep- 
tional method of attack. 


PLATYNOTA SENTANA. 


The larva of this Tortricid moth is a small, green, slender, hairy 
worm, having a brown head, and is about half an inch long. It attacks 
forms and squares much the same as the young Boll Worm does. After 
the work is done and the worm has gone, its work can not be distin- 
guished from young Boll-Worm ravages. These larve continue their 


30 


habit of feeding on forms or young bolls until about half grown, when 
they often migrate to the leaves, fold a portion of them together, and 
feed under cover. Many, however, remain with the young bolls, and 
reach maturity by feeding on them. They have been observed to bore 
half-grown bolls and destroy their contents. 


CACGICIA ROSACEANA. 


This Tortricid attacks the cotton in much the same way as the pre- 
ceding species, and for that reason its depredations may be mistaken 
for traces of the Bell Worm. The worm differs from the preceding in 
that the head, dorsal surface of the first segment, and the legs are black. 


PRODENIA LINEATELLA. 


This fleshy worm was observed entering into nearly grown bolls and 
feeding on their contents. Its ravages are exactly like those of a nearly 
grown Boll Worm, and the two can not be distinguished. 


NOCTUID (undetermined). 


A cutworm, looking much like Agrotis c-nigrum, was found in a large 
breeding cage which had been placed over some cotton plants in the 
field. When placed over the plants, none of the forms or bolls had been 
injured, and no Boll Worms were found on the plants. Some time later 
several large bolls had been bored, and this worm was the only one 
which could be found in the cage. The evidence is therefore only cir- 
cumstantial. 

PLANT LICE. 


(Aphis gossypti and Aphis sp.) 


These small, greenish, mostiy wingless, insects were especially abun- 
dant during the past season. Harlier in the season they are found prin- 
cipally on the leaves and younger growing portions of the branches, 
but frequently also on the young bolls between them and the involucre. 
Later in the season they are found most abundantly in the last-named 
localities, and in such great numbers on a single form or young boll 
that the latter soon fall off as a result of their puncturings. 

In many cases the fruit thus injured simply dries and adheres to the 
branch. This fact often serves to distinguish it from Boll Worm work. 
Even when this is not the case their work is readily distinguished in 
that the form or square contains numerous small punctures. 


THRIPID 4. 


These small brownish insects during August were found in great 
numbers in the forming blossoms of the cotton plant. The feeding of 
these insects causes the form to drop soon after the blossom falls, if 


dl 


not before. Such forms often present small black spots looking like 
small borings, but which are so numerous that they need not be con- 
fused with young Boll-Worm ravages. It must be noted that these 
signs of mechanical injury are not to be attributed to the Thrips. The 
shedding of these bolls is probably due to the fact that the work of the 
Thrips on the essential organs prevents fertilization. This insures the 
dropping of the fruit. 

Many other species of the suborder Heteroptera probably puncture the 
pericarp of the very young bolls or their peduncles, in either case caus- 
ing the shedding of the fruit. Careful examination will show that the 
injury is a puncture and should not be mistaken. 

Neitier of the first four species mentioned are numerous enough to 
cause alarm or extended damage, and are only mentioned to show that 
there is a certain small per cent of injury easily attributed to the Boll 
Worm which does not justly belong to that species. 


REMEDIES. 
TOPPING OF COTTON AND ROTATION OF CROPS. 


These have both been justly pronounced inefficient as a means of 
fighting the Boll Worm (see Fourth Report U.S. Entomological Com- 
mission). It may be stated, however, that numerous interviews with 
farmers verified the opinion that topping did no harm, and that if “ you 
could strike itright” it was an advantage. Experimentation is first 
necessary to show that it is practical and profitable to practice topping 
of cotton as an additional means of cultivation and the proper time to 
do so determined. When this is done it will depend largely upon 
whether that time falls within the period of greatest deposition by the 
moths. If so, no doubt some additional benefit will be derived by the 
destruction of the eggs deposited on the parts cut away in topping. 
But since the moth has been found to have such a wide range of de- 
position and the portion cut off in topping is so small in proportion to 
the whole surface of the plant exposed and suitable for deposition, it is 
not to be recommended to incur the expense of topping when nothing 
more is to be accomplished than the destruction of the few eggs which 
are likely to be found on the parts cut away. The rotation of crops 
can be of no avail against the insect, since it feeds equally well upon the 
corn or cowpeas, which are most likely to be rotated with the cotton. 


FALL PLOWING. 


This is to be urged for several reasons. It has been my experience, 
that where the cells of the Boll Worm pup are broken up and placed 
in loose, moist earth, which is allowed to be moist continuously and 
possibly to excess, that the pup die in a majority of cases even with- 
out freezing. It therefore appears that actual contact of the pupa 


32 


with the cold moist earth sooner or later may cause its death. From 
this fact and the long continuous rainy season of the winter here it 
seems probable that great numbers of the pups will be destroyed if 
the soil be plowed late in December, so as to allow the loose earth to 
become well drenched by the almost continuous January rains. Sub- 
sequent rains will keep it quite wet, often perhaps, to excess. The 
pupal cells having been broken up, the wet earth directly affects the 
wellbeing of the pupxw. Even though the exposure to moisture alone 
should not prove entirely efficient, a light frost or the sudden cold 
wave changes of the atmosphere. would greatly aid in the work of 
destruction. Certain it is, that a heavy frost occurring when the pup 
are in such condition would destroy all thus exposed. For this reason 
if the soil could be plowed in November so that the first black frost 
of the winter season could be utilized in killing exposed pupe, great 
benefit would certainly be derived. 


CORN AS PROTECTION TO COTTON. 


Cornfields planted in July or August were always found to be badly 
infested with worms. Especially was this the case where the fields 
were sinall and near cotton fields. At the same time corn fields no 
larger but greater distances away from cotton fields were less infested 
and the cotton more so. As has previously been noted, this is explained 
by the fact that the moths feed mostly on cotton at night, but leave it 
to deposit on corn if found suitable and near by. Even late spring 
planting was found suitable for deposition in August, though maturing 
rapidly and having nearly grown worms in the ears. Especially sug- 
gestive were the observations made in cotton fields where a poor stand 
had been obtained and where corn had been planted in the “skips.” 
In all cases the moths deposited freely upon the corn, though it was 
fast reaching maturity. Several of these cotton fields were carefully ex- 
amined. The most extended search for worms revealed very few in- 
deed, and the only possible conclusion to be arrived at was on the. 
whole that the damage to the cotton was not so great as in those fields 
without the corn distributed through them. It is therefore evident that 
by the proper management of the planting of corn the latter could be 
made to answer 2s a great protection to the cotton against Boll Worm 
ravages. This management must consist in arranging the crops on the 
plantation so that green corn suitable for egg deposition shall be kept 
near or in the cotton fields in range of the moths. 

It must be stated, however, that the corn, which is intended to act as 
a trap for the deposition of the eggs, and hence of the worms as soon 
as hatched, must be planted with a view of being cut as fodder as soon 
as a sufficient number of worms are found in the plants and before the 
worms begin maturing. From this it follows that the corn, which is to 
be allowed to mature and produce corn must be planted further away 
from the cotton fields in order that it may become infested as little as 


3d 


possible. The importance of this will be appreciated when it is remem- 
bered that all the worms which mature on this corn and produce moths 
will furnish an additional supply to infest cotton and at the same time 
reduce the number trapped by the corn planted for that purpose. The 
corn cut for fodder should be disposed of in such a way as to insure the 
destruction of the worms found in the plants when cut. Each planting 
of corn which is to act as a trap should be planted soon enough to be 
in good condition for deposition as each brood of moths makes its appear- 
ance. This would require about three plantings for the northern por- 
tions of the cotton belt, and probably four in the southern. 

The three plantings should occur about the first days of June, July, 
and August, respectively, and be cut whenever the worms are nearing 
maturity, to be sure to prevent their escape. By this method the 
least possible number of worms reach maturity. This consequently 
reduces their ravages on cotton later in the season to a minimum. This 
minimum is the most that can be hoped for, ro matter what may be the 
remedial or preventive measures resorted to. This method would 
furnish a great source of fodder, and would tend to diversify Southern 
agriculture, a result greatly to be desired. 


LIGHTS FOR ATTRACTING THE MOTHS. 


Most of the experiments with lights for trapping the moths have 
proven unsatisfactory so far as economic results are concerned, but 
have been suggestive in that they have clearly marked out what will be 
necessary to make the use of lights more efficient. 

While at Shreveport, Louisiana, in company with Dr. A. R. Booth, 
two kinds of patented lamps were taken into a large field of cotton to 
test their relative values and also to determine if possible the ease 
with which the moth could be attracted to lights. The lamps were 
lighted at 6:30 p. m. Quite a number of moths were seen flying about 
in the tield as we passed through it, but up to half an hour after sun- 
down but few insects of any kind were attracted. From that time 
until 8 to9 p. m. insects of nearly every description were captured, but 
no Boll Worm moths. Sometimes a moth would be seen to approach 
the lamps but was more interested in feeding and depositing, always 
passing by or around without apparently noticing the lamps. 

The lamps had been placed on pedestals high enough to bring them 
above the level of the top of the cotton plants, hoping thereby to 
attract moths from greater distances. Inthe mean time it was noted 
that the moth seldom attained to such a height during her flights about 
the cotton plants. Accordingly, on the evening of August 8, the same 
lamps were taken into the field, but placed so as to meet the habits of 
flight of the moth. This placed them at least on a level ora little 
below the plane of the top of the cotton plants. It was found that 
more moths approached and came nearer the lamp, and one was caught. 
In most cases, judging from the flight and actions of the moths, the lamps 

23024—No. 24 3 


b4 


were simply met with in their regular flight through the field for the 
evening, and that their course had not been materially influenced by 
the lights. Despite this fact, it was evident that the probabilities of 
trapping the moths at this height were increased. To vary the experi- 
ment, the lamp was carried through the field at about the height just 
mentioned, and one person walked along on each side some distance 
from the lamps so as to disturb the moths in that vicinity. In this way 
still more of the moths came near the lamps, and another one was 
caught. This is impractical, however, since the expense of labor is 
too great, at least until some means of making the lights more efficient 
is effected. 

One of the lamps was provided with a shield constructed so that it 
would revolve with the wind, and thus prevent the lights from being 
biown out. This is entirely wrong, since the moth usually flies with 
- the wind, in which case the light is of course shut oft from view en- 
tirely. This defect renders the lamp entirely worthless for the end de- 
sired. In our experiments this shield was held or made stationary, and 
hence the defect did not enter or vary the significance of the results. — 

At Holly Springs, Mississippi, lamps were placed in cotton fields at 
various times during August. Some consisted merely of beer bottles 
filled with kerosene and a piece of unraveled cotton rope for a wick, and 
others of more powerfullamps. In all cases the lamps were placed in 
pans containing an inch or so of water, with a little oil on the surface, 
the whole being placed on a supporting pole or pedestal. The beer- 
bottle lamps burned satisfactorily, produced a good light, and attracted 
insects of nearly every order and kind except the Boll Worm moth, 
though these had been seen flying about in the field late in the after- 
noon. 

On the night of September 9 these lamps were again taken into a 
cotton field having a small patch of corn near by; also a large patch 
of weeds, principally sneeze weed (Helenium tenuifolium). A lamp was 
placed in each at about the level of the tops of the plants, except the 
one in corn which was placed on about the same level as the ears on 
the plants. By 5 o’clock the moths were seen flying plentifully and 
ovipositing freely. The lamps were lighted at 6:15 o’clock. No insects 
of any kind were attracted until 7 o’clock, when moths of all kinds be- 
gan flying near the lamps. By 7:15 a Boll Worm moth had been 
caught at the lamp in corn. At 7:25 at the lamp in cotton a Boll 
Worm moth flew near the lamp, alighted on the pedestal and rested. 
From here it flew up to a small boll in the direct light of the lamp, de- 
posited an egg and flewotf. From this time on many Ichneumonids and 
other Hymenoptera, as also great numbers of Microlepidoptera were 
caught. At7:40a Boll Worm moth was seen to fly through the flame of 
the lamp but was not captured. In corn at 7:50 a moth flew about the 
lamp and alighted ona blade of corn less than 2 feet away. For this 
act of defiance it was introduced to the cyanide bottle. Not many 


35 


moths were seen between 8 and 9 o’clock but the lamps were left burn- 
ing all night to determine what would be the nature of the catch by 
the next morning. At this time the catch was examined and the results 
are tabulated below. For convenience the lamps in Heleniwm, corn, and 
cotton will be numbered 1, 2, and 3, respectively. 


TABLE VII. 


Hymenoptera. 
Waaee 
| Ichneumo-| Miscella- | : 
| nide. | neous. | oo : 
iS apie erat 10 | fe) et 
Bis Aap ot 9 | a) | tte || 
BAS OsC Onno Sse | 12 2 | 14 | 
otal for alle ie Se ean | 40 | 
Lepidoptera. 
= Mealy: . Tie . | 
: ee Helio Spilo- | Geome- -,_. |Pteropho- Miscel- | 
Lamp.| Agrotis.) ‘this, soma. hance tride. Pyralid@.|" vide. _laneous. a 
ee : | = is 
BOR bilo ke, beast ete \Eoesee | 17 | ISMN ee) gee 300 | 332 
pm te 2 | ig erro 1 | 30 27 300 | 361 
Dee Il | soceocses- | 1 abosossocs 20 26 250 323 
Motallfor all seeps cei esere =lelel= ala lelale ate lal= ol etnie etal = aim =e te tam =m mi='m mia) icfain |= =\nlmin min /e alm ln vel) ininie 1, 016 
Diptera. 


| Lamp. “Tipalide. Miseella- Total. | 


| neous. | 
7 | 
Ie ee ares 8 25 33 
Monsepode 40 10 50 
Bosseass5|\Ss55cs55cnc8 75 75 
ea ees 
| Motalptor alyssa tee seeee eee 158 
Coleoptera. 
Lamp. | Epicauta. ponte | Blateride. Btaphiy | Carabidex. | Dace | Total. 
a | ——|— 
Dee Nec ecccts « 2. 2 25 8 | 257 ("| 628 
Oye aes He | se aay eaocetot shedien toned) eos gececece 2 | 50 | 59 | 
toa SmtoR a 2 MW Gedeeaacoes [eee mera kere 6 |e wee ee wee eee | 9 
— 
Mao balefOl All cies Se deececlsisey- ine mie 2 ooo =e mea mewn ne a= a soe wee nina esse’ Sse | 130 
Hemiptera. 


Lamp. | Homoptera. Heteroptera, | Total. 


MS ee oec 200 100 300 
Macoocdes 200 100 300 
Seeeeieee 200 150 350 


Botalstor alles sae - ee sce 950 


36 


TABLE VII—Continued. 


Neuroptera. 


| Lamp. | Chrysopa.}| Total. 
es Sore 
[Uke astaee 1 1 
Pee 2 1 1 
Dik eaccs s|lpaauns nse Uoalenemeaer 
| Total forall .... ri 2 
. 
Orthoptera. 
Lamp. Mantis. (£canthus., Locustide. | Total. 
| 
Wee Societe 1 2 2 5 
Oe: 1 DA Sefain ate rato 3 
193 es eee 7 Fee es Ant SRO MS ne 2 
Total forall 2 -s25ce.54-msese~ ooh eee 10 


The above results show that the direct benefit to cotton plants, so far 
as known, is very small. At the same time such beneficial insects as 
the Ichneumonids, predaceous beetles, and the Praying Mantis arede- 
stroyed, and if trapping be systematically followed up the loss may in- 
deed be considered greater than the gain. 

These experiments led to the belief that the lights used were not bril- 
liant enough for the intended purpose. Accordingly, an electric lamp 
was rented. The lamp is provided with a round burner and the flame 
produced is about, 5 inches in circumference. When the chimney is 
placed over the flame the lamp is said to give a light equal to 100 can- 
dles. Experiments with this lamp in connection with the others were 
continued in the cotton fields during September. On the evening of the 
13th both kinds were placed out. The night proved to be a damp cold 
one, and the dew fell early in the evening. As a result no Boll Worm 
moths and but few insects of any kind were trapped. Of this small 
number the parasitic Hymenoptera and predaceous beetles were greatly 
in the majority. The insects caught were such as are easily attracted 
to lights, and were quite equally distributed between the three lamps 
(two beer-bottle ones and the other the electric lamp). A rainy season 
began at this time and continued so that no further experiments with 
lamps could be made until October 4. At this time the electric lamp 
was placed in a cotton field to determine what would be the nature of 
the catch. Heliothids had been seen flying about in the evening while 
making some other observations, but none were captured by the lamp 
at night. The other insects trapped were about the same in kind as 
those already tabulated for September 9, only that the quantity cap- 
tured by the electric lamp was about equal to that of all three of the 
others, andit had only been left burning until 10 o’clock. 

October 20 the lamps were again placed out, this time one in a patch 
of cowpeas and the other some distance away in a small patch of corn 
which had been planted in July. During the day Boll Worm moths 


37 


were seen hiding behind the sheaths of the corn blades, while a number 

were also seen flying about the cowpeas. The one in the cowpeas was a 
beer-bottle lamp and placed about the height of the plants. The one in 
the corn was the electric lamp, and was placed about the height of the 
earsof corn. They were lighted at6p.m. At thistime a few of the fe- 
males were depositing on corn. At 7 o’clock some were seen to fly by 
the lamp but were not trapped. The parasitic Hymenoptera and smaller 
Lepidoptera had been caught in great abundance at both lamps. Re- 
turning at 10 o’clock to further examine the catch of the Jamps, they 
were found to have been stolen and no further notes could be taken. 
The moths at this time were not very abundant and doubtless were but 
a portion of the last brood of the season. The moths seen flying by the 
electric lamp were near enough to have been stopped had the lamp been 
provided with long projecting wings and a larger pan to receive the 
moths as they fell. No Heliothids were observed at the beer-bottle 
lamp. 

These light experiments, as wili be seen from the record, were begun 
at the time that the midsummer brood was issuing abundantly, and 
hence also during the period of greatest egg deposition a little later. 
During this period, as has been stated, the provoking observation was 
made of seeing the female near the iights, deposit an egg in plain view, 
fly away and continue her work. It is evident, therefore, that the 
female is not easily diverted from the work of depositing eggs by the 
ordinary lights used. Later, when the experiments show that a few 
moths were trapped, it is also true that the period of greatest deposi- 
tion had passed, and that, though dissections showed that a few eggs 
still remained together with a number of potential ova, the females had 
passed their prime. As bearing on this the following may be drawn 
from the observations of Dr. Booth: Theinsect contents of a globe of a 
2,000candle power are light were examined continuously from Septem- 
ber 3 to13,inclusive. An average of 40 Heliothids were found for each 
night. Of these 1 in 6 or 8 were females, containing on an average 
from 30 to 40 eggsin the oviducts. The lamp tender reported that after 
September 26 no more moths were caught. 

The fact that the moth was frequently seen to fly near the light, 
often as near as 2 or 3 feet, suggests that the lamps to be efficient not 
only must be brilliant, but must also have some wide and extensive 
wings extending from it ip such a way as not to throw a shadow and 
to arrest, temporarily at least, the flight of the moth passing near by. 
If now the large pan and the lamp be provided with an additional in- 
ducement in the way of some strong smelling sweets, the moth thus 
arrested in its fligat and its attention diverted from its evening work, 
if not falling into the pan, may be attracted a second time and be cap- 
tured. 

Unless it is found that the earlier broods are more easily attracted to 
lights it is questionable whether the inefficient lights so commonly used 


38 


by planters are to be at all recommended if nothing more is to be accom- 
plished than the trapping of the Boll Worm moth, and for the following 
reasons: (1) Buta small per cent are caught; (2) of these the great ma- 
jority are males; (3) while some females are caught before having 
deposited many eggs, the greater per cent have passed their prime ; 
(4) beneficial insects being more easily trapped are destroyed in too 
great numbers in proportion to the benefit derived from the destruction 
of obnoxious insects to warrant such inefficient warfare. These may 
all be included in the one general reason that the lights are only strong 
enough to readily attract beneficial insects but are powerless to attract 
the obnoxious insects desired until its most important work (deposition 
of eggs) has almost been completed. 


POISONED SWEETS. 


No field experiments were made with poisoned sweets, but a number 
were made with moths in the laboratory. The mixture was composed 
of 1 part of white arsenic dissolved in 20 parts boiling water; 4 parts 
of this solution were added to 3 parts of ordinary table sirup. The 
mixture was placed in a watch glass under a bell jar or sprayed upon 
cotton branches in a breeding cage. When the moths were placed in 
they always soon found the sweets and sipped of them. The result of all 
the experiments showed that the moths readily partook of the sweetened 
liquids. Those having sipped of the poisoned solutions died, on an 
average, within 30 minutes; the shortest time being 15, the longest 45 
minutes. Experiments were also made upon a few other insects, mostly 
such as were considered beneficial. They were placed in the cages just 
as the moths had been and were found to partake of the sweets quite as 
readily and died as certainly. Thus in field experiments doubtless 
many beneficial insects will also be destroyed by the extensive use of the 
poisoned sweets. 

The moths kept in cages for experimental purposes were fed by spray- 
ing unpoisoned solutions of the sweets upon the cotton branches. The 
moths fed readily and lived usually from 5 to 8 days. 

The poisoned sweets used in the experiments in the laboratory con- 
tained no liquids which could liberate a strong odor such as is neces- 
sary in field experiments. These may be added in the form of beer or 
vinegar or perhaps any other liquid having similar properties. 

It was demonstrated by the experiments in the laboratory that newly 
issued and old moths were alike easily induced to feed on the poisoned 
drops of sweets sprayed on the branches in the cages. It may there- 
fore follow that if these poisoned liquids can be properly applied to the 
plants upon which the moths feed freely both at night and during the 
day, that females may be readily attracted to feed, and hence killed, 
during their entire period of deposition. It therefore appears probable 
that if some practical means is employed to apply these poisoned sweets 
properly and abundantly as food for attracting the moths that such 


3g 


method of warfare against the adults will prove more efficient than any 
other alternative yet resorted to against them. Itis evident, however, 
that to be most efficient, the poisoned sweets must be applied from the 
time when the moths begin feeding freely, and in such a way that they 
may meet with them readily in their flights about their food plants. 
The first will be accomplished if applied as early as 4 o’clock in the 
afternoon, in which case the poisoned liquids would also be exposed to 
their visits during the evening and night. The second can be attained 
by spraying the poisoned liquid upon the food plants. For those moths 
feeding during the day this must be applied principally to cow peas, for 
those feeding at night upon cotton. 

The practicability of this method is yet somewhat questionable since 
probably one application of the poisoned liquids would be efficient only 
fora fewdays. It may further be questioned in that, as has been noted, 
the moths of any given brood issue quite scatteringly. At the same 
time it may be that applications of tae poisoned sweets at intervals of 3 
or 4 days will prove to be as practical as arranging for, and attending to, 
light trapping properly. My own efforts to experiment fully along this 
line were rather frustrated by rainy weather during September. This 
made experiments difficult and more or less indecisive. 

The possible utility of combining poisoned sweets with lights has al- 
ready been noted. The fact that females are readily attracted by sweets 
before many eggs have been deposited by her may become a sufficient 
additional inducement to entice those flying so near the lamps to linger 
a few moments longer and probably result in her capture. With these 
probabilities in mind it is to be hoped that the approaching season may 
be more propitious for experimental work and the boll Worm more 


abundant. 
PYRETHRUM. 


Experiments with the dry powder.—The tirst of the following series of 
experiments with pyrethrum were made upon infested corn. The patch 
of corn was about two rods square and located near the center of the town 
(Holly Springs, Mississippi). It was a second planting and was only 
knee high at this time, August 19. The middle rows of the patch were 
selected and one row for each experiment taken. The powder was 
dusted from above down into the bud of the corn by means of a small 
cheese-cloth sack, double thickness. 


EXPERIMENT 1, 


August 19, 2:30 p.m. Mixture, equal parts lime dust and pyrethrum. The plants 
in the row by actual count contained 43 worms of various sizes. 

Result.—Soon after dusting a few acted uneasily, began to crawl, and finally drop- 
ping to the ground, hid in the loose earth. This note applies more or less to all the 
experiments made with the powders. August 20, 10 a. m., 17 worms alive and feed- 
ing, 10 dead, 16 not present. In percentages this is 39.5, 23.3, 37.2, respectively. The 
living worms were mostly nearly mature ones which had penetrated far into the 
center of the bud and may not all have come in contact with the powder. The dead 


40 


ones were mostly composed of half or two-thirds grown worms. These notes again 
apply equally well to nearly all the other experiments with the powder. The follow- 
ing experiments will therefore be given more concisely. 


EXPERIMENT 2. 


August 1), 3 p. m. Mixture, 2 parts lime dust, 1 part pyrethrum. Number of 
wornis in plants, 43. 
Result.—August 20, 11:30 a. m., 20 living, 10 dead, 13 not present, or 46.5, 23.3, 30.2 
per cent, respectively. 
EXPERIMENT 3. 


August 19, 3:30 p.m. Mixture pyrethrum fultstrength. Number of worms 54. 
Result.—August 20, 12 m., 25 living, 8 dead, 21 not present, or 46.3, 14.8, 33.9 per 
cent, respectively. 


EXPERIMENT 4. 


August 19,4 p.m. Mixture equal parts lime and pyrethrum. Worms not counted. 
Result.—August 20, 2 p.m., 19 living, 12 dead, or 61.3 and 38.7 per cent, respec- 
tively. 
EXPERIMENT 5. 


August 19, 4:30 p. m. Mixture 2 parts lime, 1 part pyrethrum. Worms not 
counted. ; 

Result.—August 20, 2:30 P- m,, 26 living, 8 dead, or 76. 5 and 23.5 per cent, respec- | 
tively. 


EXPERIMENT 6. 


August 19,5 pm. Fullstrength pyrethrum. Worms not counted and only a part 
of the row Mg 

Result,—August 20, 3 p. m., 5 living, 6 dead, or 45.5 and 54.5 per cent, respectively. 

The dead worms of experiments | to 6 were kept, for raising any possible parasites, 
until September 3, when they were found to be perfectly dry and were thrown away. 
No parasites had issued from them. 


As checks on experiments 1 to 6 it may be stated that in examining 
the rows carefully to count the actual number of ~vorms in the plants 
no dead worms were found. Numerous other observations upon corn 
of a similar age, and which had not been dusted, verified the one made 
while counting the worms. 

The first 6 experiments and their results may be tabulated for con- 
venience as follows: 


TABLE VIII. 


Experi- A ce a Pees 2 A | Probable 
ene Substance used. | Living. Dead. | Absent. | benefit. 
Leseeeee | | Lime and pyrethrum, equal parts. . 39. 5 23.3 37. 2 60.5 
Dtee meme: | Lime 2 parts, pyrethrum I (Pant. score 46.5 23.3 30. 2 53.5 
Hae oo sont Pyrethrum, fullstrength.............. 46.3 14.8 38.9 | 53. 7 
eos Same as experiment EME 61.3 38.7 |.-..-----. 38.7 
Divecpmetes Same as experiment 2........-...---.- 76. 5 23.5. -eee---- 23.5 
Diss stoke .-- | Same as experiment3......--.-...---. 45.5 DESO reno Saco 54.5 

AVOTAR GS ieee laste ote nner 52.6 29. 7 | 7. ae 47.4 


Al 


EXPERIMENT 7, 


August 20, 10:45 a. m. Dusted the 17 living nearly-grown worms of experiment 1 
with full strength pyrethrum, and placed them in a closed mailing box without food. 

Record—11 a. m., some are beginning to be restless; 12:30 p. m., all are quiet; 
1:45 p. m., one almost dead, others jump when touched ; 4:20, p.m., one dead, others 
as before. 

August 21, 11:30 a.m. Somehave become quite active again, and as aresult 4 were 
bitten, 3 are dead, 6 others alive and active, while the rest were probably eaten. 
The active ones were placed in a breeding cage, and provided with branches of cot- 
ton having leaves and bolls. Some died later and a few matured. 


EXPERIMENT 8. 


August 30, 4:30 p. m. Eighteen of the living worms from experiments 4, 5, and 6 were 
well dusted with lime. Nine were placed in each of two closed mailing boxes. This 
experiment was for the purpose of having a check on any possible eftect of the air- 
slacked lime on the worms, 

August 21, 11:45 a. m. In one box two were injured and died. The rest alive and 
active. In the other box all are well and active. Both lots were then placed on 
branches of cotton in breeding cages. All began feeding; a few died later, but most 
of them matured. 


EXPERIMENT 9. 


September 11. Boll Worm in a boll with posterior segments protruding. Dusted 
this with full strength pyrethrum at 9:15 a. m.; no immediate effect was noticeable; 
11:30 a.m. ; worm has turned round ; head almost protruding; not feeding; 3 a. m., 
has turned round now to position same as when dusted, and is feeding. With a 
pair of forceps placed some pyrethrum powder on the body of the worm in the hole. 
Did not effect the worm noticeably for five to ten minutes. 

September 12, 8:30 a. m. Has left the boll and is in the upper corner of the cage 
still alive and active. 

September 13, 8 a. m. Has returned to the boil it had left, and is feeding. Dusted 
the protruding portion with pyrethrum. In the afternoon the worm was found 
crawling about in the cage, but appeared to be full grown and searching for a place 
to pupate. Placed back on the branch again. 

September 14. Worm still on the boll and is active, but not feeding. Particles of 
pyrethrum are found adhering to the body. The anus is swollen and inflamed, pro- 
ducing a watery exudate. This may be due to the effect of the pyrethrum, for this is 
the portion of the body which was usually protruding from the hole in the boll and 
received most of the dusting. The worm was placed in a partially opened form. 

September 15. Has eaten the form almost entirely. 

September 16. Crawling about in cage, Placed on a branch. 

September 17. Crawling about in cage. Has shortened some and is preparing to 
pupate. Placed in a tin can with earth to allow it todoso. Pupated September 21. 
Pupa still alive October 3, when it was placed in alcohol as a specimen. 

In one instance, when a worm had been experimented with in a similar way to Ex- 
periment 9, the worm went down to corner of the cage (which was a newly made one), 
webbed together the loose sawdust found there, and pupated in the cell thus formed. 


EXPERIMENT 10. 
September 20, 5:30 p. m. Marked five bolls in which Boll Worms were feeding and 


a portion of the body protruding. At 5:40 dusted profusely with pyrethrum, full 
strength. 


42 


6 p.m. The first worm ceased feeding and left; can not be found. The second was: 
entirely in boll, but came out and is twisting abont uneasily; finally it fell to the: 
ground in convulsions, tumbling over on its back as if to scrub off the powder. The: 
third ceased feeding. The fourth was a young worm and is not to be found. The fifth 
still feeding. 

6:15. The second is still in convulsions and can not crawl well; it is one about 
two-thirds grown. The third has fallen to the ground, but is crawling into loose 
earth. The fifth continues feeding. The last two are nearly grown worms, and 
doubtless will take some time to become badly paralyzed. At 6:30, while making: 
other observations, it became dark, and could not find the worms again. 


A number of individual experiments with grown worms, both in the 
laboratory and open air, were made. The worms were well dusted with 
full-strength pyrethrum and were allowed their pleasure as to their 
abode afterwards. They always crawled into the loose earth as soon 
as possible, and as long as they were observed showed signs of recovery. 
Other experiments similar to Experiment 9 are omitted because their 
results were practically the same in all cases. 


DECOCTIONS OF PYRETHRUM. 


Seven pints of rain water were brought to boiling in an open pan ; 
12 grains of pyrethrum were then stirred in and boiled for 15 minutes. 
The whole was then strained so as to get out most of the powder. This 
decoction was made on the afternoon of September 19, but owing toa 
threatening rain was kept in sealed Mason jars until the next day, when 
the decoction was sprayed on bolls containing Boll Worms. The fol- 
lowing strengths were used: Full, two-thirds, and half. 


{XPERIMENT 15. 


September 20. The bolls with worms in had all been found and marked during 
the forenoon. The day was warm and sunshiny. In thé afternoon it was found that 
one of the worms had changed bolls since morning observation. At 2:40 p. m. full 
strength of the decoction was sprayed on each of six bolls containing Boll Worms. 
Four of the six were not in bolls, but between them and their involucres. The 
greater portion of the plants surrounding the boll was also sprayed. 

2:50. No uneasiness manifested by any. 

3:15. Five as before; one half-grown worm has moved and can not be found. 

3:45. No change; has not affected the worms yet. 

4:10. None feeding ; no change. 

5:00. One feeding; others as before. 

5:50. None feeding. 

September 21. Two worms still in place; one feeding, the other just molted; two 
others finished the bolls in which they were found and have disappeared; the other 
one is in boll in laboratory. 

September 23. All have gone but one; this one went to another boll, fed, and has 
just molted; an hour later it was found devouring molted skin. 


EXPERIMENT 16. 


September 20. Equal parts decoction and rain water. At3o’clock sprayed five 
bolls, each containing a Boll Worm. Four were not feeding, but resting between boll 
and involucre; the other was in boll feeding. None had changed position since 
morning observation. 


43 


3:25. One seems to be a little uneasy ; others manifest no anxiety. 

3:42. The one in boll has turned around and is poking its head out of the bolls; 
another has moved and gone into a blossom; the others same as before. 

4:10. One is feeding ; all the others quiet and not feeding. 

5:00. One feeding ; others no change. 

5:50. None feeding. 

September 21. Four still in place, all feeding; the other has left the plant. 

September 23. One still in place, but has about destroyed its boll. The others 
have done so and are gone. 

The record of the experiment with two parts decoction and one part rain water is 
- omitted because of the similarity of results to those of Experiment 16. 


CHECKS ON EXPERIMENTS 15 AND 16. 


September 20. At first three, but later five more worms were marked as checks. 

2:30. One entirely in boll, feeding ; another, nearly mature, resting and not feeding ; 
a third, very young one, is feeding. 

5:00. Checks all in place feeding. 

5:50. All but very young one feeding. Made a search for more worms; found five, 
all of which are in bolls feeding, 

September 21. One still in boll, but not feeding. 

The small worm has bored through a form and is feeding. The nearly matured 
worm has destroyed its boll and has gone away. 

The result of all the experiments with pyrethrum is, on the whole, 
negative. Before treating more fully of the results of the experiments 
it must be stated that the corn plants, cotton bolls, and Boll Worms were 
more thickly and thoroughly dusted or sprayed than it would have 
been possible to do by dry method of application which would be inex- 
pensive enough to be practical. There is a special difficulty in the case 
of cotton. At the time when the powder would be most efficient, that 
is, when the worms are yet less than half grown, they are found princi- 
pally at work in forming blossoms and very young bolls. In these the 
involucre so completely and effectually inclose the portions in which 
the worms are at work that it is practically impossible to reach them. 
It is well known that the young form or boll is sensitive to excessive 
rains, and their involucres, it seems, are to a great extent a provision of 
nature to protect the tender young bolls from such injury. To what- 
ever extent this may be the case, it is certain that their involucres make 
it exceedingly difficult to reach the forms and bolls beneath them by 
any of the methods of spraying, and therefore also to all decoctions or 
solutions of whatever kind. 

Upon corn before it has tasseled the powder may be used with greater 
success, as will be seen from a study of Experiments 1to6. From these 
we find that a certain benefit of about 30 per cent. is obtained, with a 
possible benefit of about 47 per cent. This last is too high, however, as 
some of the worms which leave do so enly temporarily and to recover, 
after which they return. We also find thatthe young worms are much 
more susceptible, or at any rate less able to resist the effect of the pyre- 
thrum. Consequently of the worms killed, the great majority were half 
or less than half grown. From the behavior of the grown or nearly 


44 


mature worms in all the experiments, itis evident that they strongly 
resist the effects of the powder, and if ample opportunity is given to 
escape to the ground or ioose earth, may often entirely overcome its 
influence and recover. Whether on corn or cotton, it must be admitted 
that the protection is only temporary. This is shown by the fact that 
in some of the experiments undisturbed individuals entered bolls with 
impunity soon after dusting and after the first worm had retreated, or 
even the same worm going back and feeding upon the boll from which 
it had been driven, presumably, by the pyrethrum. 

As has been noted, there is a certain benefit derived from the appli- 
cation of the powder to young corn before tasseling. It is just to con- 
sider that the pyrethrum was at a disadvantage, in that it was not ap- 
plied early enough to catch the worms before they had become so 
nearly grown or had entered far into the bud. Ifit had been applied 
earlier a much greater per cent of the worms then present would 
doubtless have been destroyed. Such being the case, the use of pyre- 
thrum may prove to bea decided advantage in cooperation with the plan 
of planting corn as traps for egg deposition, and hence the worms 
when these are hatched. This can be done by thoroughly applying 
pyrethrum of about one-half or third dilution with lime to the corn. 
plants at a time when the worms are found to be about half grown. 
By doing this the time of cutting out corn to destroy the worms it con- 
tains will be delayed for a time longer, and hence also be exposed to the 
depositions of the moth for a greater period. Experiments in this 
direction will be taken up extensively this season. 

The powder being thus limited in its efficacy, especially on cotton, it 
is not surprising that decoctions of the powder prove to be even less 
effective. As will be noted from thé experiments with the decoctions 
when compared with the record of the checks upon the same, little 
more was accomplished than to temporarily arrest the feeding of the 
worms. Itis true some of the worms changed bolls during the after- 
noon, and others which were in bolls came out, but it must also be 
noted that the same action was taken by other worms which were un- 
der observation and which had not been sprayed. There is some ques- 
tion, therefore, that the decoction was directly accountable for the 
action of the worms upon which it was sprayed. 

This doubt is further increased from the fact that it was often noted 
in worms which had been marked for observation that they very fre- 
quently changed bolls or even plants during midday or afternoon. 


OTHER VEGETABLE INSECTICIDES. 


The work upon vegetable insecticides was assigned almost entirely to 
Prof. Jerome MeNeill, Fayetteville, Arkansas. He has been as unfor- 
tunate as myself in being unable to obtain plenty of Boll Worms to ex- 
periment with. Progress was further impeded by unpropitious weather. 
For this reason the greater portion of the time was occupied in collecting 


45 


such roots, plants, flowers, and fruits as might, upon experimentation, 
prove to have insecticidal properties. This was undertaken with a view 
of discovering if possible some product easily grown in the infested 
regions through the cultivation of which it might be possible to pro- 
vide for an insecticide which would be cheap and accessible to all. 
From these various collections Professor McNeiil has made numerous 
extracts, emulsions, and decoctions, some of which he informs me are 
quite promising, and which are on hand to experiment with when oppor- 
tunity offers. As this part of the work has, therefore, not been com- 
pleted for the reasons stated, I shall at present give only a summary of 
Professor McNeill’s letters and report of progress during the past sea-_ 


son. 
(1) Alcoholic extracts and decoctions have thus far been, on the 


whole, unsatisfactory. 

(2) Extracts and extract emulsions of the various vegetables or parts 
thereof seem to be promising. Of these kerosene, kerosene ether, gas- 
oline and benzine extracts, and emulsions of pyrethrum are perhaps 
most important. 

(3) Of the plants experimented with, Lobelia syphilitica, L. cardi- 
nalis, probably L. inflata, and Arisema triphyllum are among the more 
important as giving promise of good results. They have been shown 
to possess insecticide properties, but to what extent and how best 
utilized remains an open question, 

(4) An exceedingly dilute solution of potassium cyanide is an effi- 
cient insecticide, but its effects on the cotton plants has not yet been 
determined. 


METEOROLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS. 


Of these rain, humidity, and temperature are the principal phenom- 
eva to consider. What relation these may have to the various stages 
of the transformations of Heliothis, the following tabulated data may 
serve to indicate. The averages of humidity and temperature are given 
for the entire period covered by each example: 


PAB TR IX. 
EGG. 


| Dura: Rain, Temperature.| Humidity. 
When deposited. When hatched, nam ber’ 
of days. Max.) Min. | Max.) Min, 


° c ° ° 
Night, Aug. 5-6........ | Aug. 10, 10a.m........ ie 34 | 2| 93 74 88 56 
Night, Ang. 8-9........ f Ane, 1026 Venn soe ae oscce= on | 0 | 94 73 87 63 
Night, Aug. 14-16...... b Anrst8 O'acmie:.-sce,cyoa545- 3 | 1 BO Wer 72 lark) (*) 
Night, Aug. 15-16...... AGTES ICI Eas nee oSgscaccOre 22 0 | 84 | NENA, () 
Night, Sept. 19-20...... Sept. 24, evening ........--.- 5 | 5 |p 79 Cri GC) (*) 
Night, Sept. 20-21...-.. Sept..25, morning. =.-22+2--2. 44 | Tales 64) (*) C) 
Night, Sept. 21-22...... Sept. 25, morning...........- 33 | 4 | 77 67 | (=) (*) 


* Data for humidity at Holly Springs, Miss , could not be obtained. The first two are from Shreve- 
port, La., where eggs were under observation. 


TABLE ]X—Continued. 


LARVA. 
| : | Rain, | Temperature.) Humidity. 
When hatched. When matured. patie | number ;———— 
* | of days. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. 
= | | 
| ° | ° o | ° 
J APIEAR SS leer SApsoib ar aoe oc JRO RSE ZB ie eee peasone 15 | TSF ol 71 &8 65 
IAT OU Ss eScinte se ser abac- August 25 (died) .-...--. 16 2 91 71 88 67 
PANT OMS LG) ae cetn nea ames September 7 ...-..-..... 21 | 6 82 GB | ee ptete | teeta 
JOS Ws octneecoscon Jae September 12.....-.....- 26 fey 82 (ie) Neseee eel fe cee 
September 25........-----.| October 12 (two molts) -. 18 7 | 73 G05) Societe eroocen 
PUPA. 
| TYNE Rain, | Temperature.| Humidity. 
When pupated. | When issued. tion | number |- 
of days. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. 
| | | 
| ° ° ° o 
Atagrst. O b-8ct bot erat = Argent 20 betare sete ae tee hee Osa Onl) Feaa 71 89 65 
Aucnsty2s sane asecee sees September 2.2.2. ..-....<: 10 2 91 68 | 82 60 
JNO DS AP eopeepssamss asec | September 12.--.---.._-. 15 5 81 68 | cescda elt eecece 
JAMES) Soshesssessessete September 13............ 16 6 80 Hell ae sicoae) Wagon ee 
OS RENE RP Ae) Saspnco pe aeeaeoon NG PLeMUCE Gleeeesana =: 19 8 79 GR setets tll erent 
AMeUst 28 <sescceccs ccs (o=5 | September 17......-.....- 20 8 79 67 |. 2-5 Bee 
AN OUSiioleepsaee=peees sae: September 27............ | 27 14 79 GGt eres eyo sates 
September 4 ............... | September 20.-....-..-- 16 7 80 OT tee eel sede 
SSplemperd . est so. see as September 30.....-....-.- | -@ 22 15 | 79 oe eee Beneecc 
| | 


These data may be studied in the order given. 

Eeo.—For the first two lots the temperature is the same with only a 
slight difference in humidity, but during the period of the first lot rain 
fell for a part of the time on 3 successive days; during the second 
none fell at all. Under these conditions the duration of the first lot 
was 1} days longer. The period covered by the next two lots of Au- 
gust 15 and August 16, furnish about the same conditions with the same 
results. The next three lots were deposited much later in the season, 
had lower temperature and excessive rains, 6.37 inches having fallen 
from September 22 to 25 inclusive. The duration of the egg state as a 
result was much prolonged. There is no check on this lot, however, 
since no eggs under direct observation were hatched during that sea- 
son with the same low temperature but without the excessive rains. 
From general observations, however, there is no question but that low 
temperatures also prolong the duration of the egg state, the same as 
the rains seem to have done in each of the two first lots mentioned. 

Larva.—tThe first two larve were reared under almost exactly similar 
conditions and, as will be seen, matured almost at the same time. As 
compared with those that follow the duration is of interest, as there 
was but little rain and a high temperature. The next two were worms 
hatched from the same lot of eggs, and, as is seen from the table, were 
reared under exactly similar conditions. Despite this, the difference in 
time of maturing is 5 days. This can only be accounted for by the pe- 
culiarities of thespecies,such as have been previously discussed. The 
difference, as compared with the two preceding, was principally due to 
the much lower temperature. If, with the abundant rain during that 


47 


period, the temperature had been maintained as high as in the first, the 
worms would have matured more rapidly. This is verified by noticing 
the retardation of growth of the last worm recorded in the table. This 
worm had only molted twiceafter 18 days. Thetemperature during this 
period was 18° lower than that of the first two and 9° lower than that 
of the second two. General observations established this fact concern- 
ing the feeding of the worms, viz: that a moderate amount of rain 
with high temperature was least suited to their most vigorous feeding 
and growth, and consequently their earliest maturity. The same 
amount of rain, however, with a much lower temperature, is as much 
a disadvantage, and increases the retarding effect, which the lowertem- 
perature itself would have had. Butagain, high, dry temperatures are 
avoided by the worms, which during that time feed less vigorously, 
and thereby prolong their larval existence some. 

Light frosts began (both in Mississippi and Louisiana) as early as 
October 27, and were more or less continuous from that time on. At 
Holly Springs, Mississippi, a killing frost occurred October 31, which 
froze and entirely blackened the cotton plants. At Shreveport, Louisi- 
ana, however, the cotton was not entirely frozen and blackened until 
about December 4. As has been previously noted, worms of nearly all 
stages were found at both localities a short time previous to the killing 
frosts, by which latter the younger ones were quite certainly killed. 

Pupa.—For the first of the pup recorded it is found that a mod- 
erate amount of rain with high temperature shortens the duration of 
the pupal state. From the remaining ones it is found that with but 
little variation in the low temperature, which alone would have pro- 
longed the duration, the excessive rains greatly added to the delay. 

In general, then, it may be stated that the duration of the various 
stages of Heliothis are shortest under high temperatures with moder- 
ate rainfall; longer, except in egg and pupa, when ahigh, dry tempera- 
ture is maintained; longer still with much lower temperature; and yet 
again longer with lower temperature and excessive rains. 

Some atmospheric conditions also noticeably influence the behavior 
of the moths. The hot weather, dry, or somewhat rainy, seems to have 
‘but little diverting effect on the habits of the moths. When the tem- 
perature is much lower, and is accompanied with much rain, the moth 
adapts itself to the condition of things. The excessive rains last sea- 
son continued late in the evening and into the night. This of course 
covers the period of feeding and deposition. This seemed to have the 
effect of inducing the moths to fly and feed more freely during the mid- 
dle of the afternoon, when it was clear and warmer. When the rainy 
spell began to be a protracted one, the females were frequently seen at 
3 o'clock during the warm sunshiny afternoons busily engaged in de- 
positing their eggs. The instances in which deposition was observed — 
in daytime were confined mostly to this period, though some were ob- 
served under normal conditions. From this it follows that to a certain 


48 


extent, at least, the imagos adapt themselves to unfavorable conditions, 
and that their period of egg deposition, on the whole, is not much in- 
fluenced by such conditions. Their progeny, however, as has already 
been noted, suffers materially. 

As bearing on the abundance (or rather scarcity) of the Boll Worm 
the past year, I quote from the report of Professor Fulton for 1590 as 
follows: ‘‘The most important irregularities of the year were the un- 
usually high temperature in January and February, with a marked 
deficiency of temperature in March.” During the period of high tem- 
perature in January, and especially February, it may be that many 
of the moths issued. If so, the cold period in March quite likely 
killed many of those which had issued. In the Red River section of 
Louisiana the Red River overflowed badly in spring, and planting of 
both corn and cotton was delayed until late in May and some in June. 
This necessarily delayed finding suitable host plants for the moths 
which had issued during April and May to deposit on, and doubtless a 
large per cent of their progeny failed to survive. In some localities 
also corn and cotton had been planted and was large enough for the 
moths which had issued to deposit upon when the river overflowed. As 
a result the corn and cotton both were drowned, or at any rate stunted 
so that it was all plowed under and planted a second time. By this 
process doubtless many of the first brood of worms were destroyed. 
From these reasons the second brood and consequently all subsequent 
broods were in all probability greatly reduced. 

From all the information gathered through observers of the U.S. 
Signal Service it is certain that the boll-worm depredations are much 
more extensive in the southern portion of the cotton belt. There is, 
therefore, no question but that the future work on the Boll Worm 
should be carried on principally in that region. 


INSECT DISEASES. 


The work upon insect diseases has formed an important part of the 
investigation. At the present time, however, it would be unwarranted 
and hazardous to enter largely into a report upon the work done and in 
contemplation, or to draw conclusions. I shall therefore give but little 
more than a synopsis of the present condition of the work, and will re- 
serve acknowledgments to those who have contributed in any way fora 
more detailed report in the future. 

The first thing to be done in preparing for such work was to equip 
and arrange for a bacteriological laboratory. Some time was spent at 
Shreveport, Louisiana, in coéperation with Dr. Booth (who assumed 
charge of the work for the season) towards accomplishing this end. 
Hot-air and steam sterilizers were designed and a good workman soon 
had them in condition for use. The other supplies immediately neces- 
sary were ordered. These have been added to as the progress of the 


49 


work demanded, until now quite a complete laboratory has been fitted 
up, sufficient to carry on to a finish all the work and experimentation 
which it will be possible to execute. 

The diseased insects and worms from which the cultures on hand 
have been made were obtained from various sources from entomological 
workers throughout the country. 

Extensive and conclusive experiments with the insect diseases on hand 
were not made for the same reasons stated by Professor McNeill. The 
status of this portion of the work is, therefore, much the same as the 
latter, viz, ready for extensive and thorough work during the approach- 
ing season. The few observations made are encouraging, but do not 
warrant any definite and positive statements at this time. 

Itseems highly probable that the Boll Worm is readily susceptible to 
the cabbage-worm disease. Dr. Booth in one instance fed Boll Worms 
upon diseased cabbage worms, which Boll Worms later died. Cul- 
tures were obtained from these dead Boll Worms. Mounts from the 
cultures were made later and studied with a microscope. Micrococci 
were present in great abundance. At Holly Springs, Mississippi, some 
Boll Worms were accidentally placed in a breeding cage in which dead 
cabbage worms had been temporarily placed. A number of these Boll 
Worms died at various intervals. The dead worms were sent to Dr. 
Booth, who made cultures from their dead and decaying bodies. Ex. 
amination of mounts made from these cultures again showed micro. 
cocci in abundance. The above evidence is not direct and positive; is 
merely indicative, and at best unscientific. It consists simply of obser- 
vations noted during the progress of the work, and simply indicates that 
scientific experiments may prove successful. 

Though no experiments could be made upon the Boll Worms with 
other insect diseases, the interesting and important discovery was made 
at Holly Springs, Mississippi, that the Boll Worm itself is subject to a 
disease. The disease is not confined to the larval stage, but has been 
obtained from all the stages of the species. Two females issued on the 
night of September 14. On the second day, it was noticed that the 
moths were rather sluggish and that the abdomen was greatly dis- 
tended. By the next day the females were absolutely helpless, and the 
abdomen so decomposed that it barely held together while pinning the 
moth. The last signs of life of the moth consist of peculiar alternate 
openings and closings, contracting and expanding of the anus and gen- 
ital organs. At the time it did not occur to me that it was a disease of 
the species, and it was only the peculiar manner of the dying of the 
moth which had attracted my attention. Hence it was that the moths 
were simply pinned and placed in insect boxes. This was done Septem- 
ber 17. November 28, the abdomen of the moth was accidentally 
broken off and the internal parts were found to be partially liquid. 
From tbis partially liquid portion tubes of beef broth were inoculated, 
as also from a whitish, waxy, gelatinous substance in the extreme poste- 

23024—No, 24-——4 


ye a 
Fe Teo 
rior end of the abdomen. A culture was obtained from the waxy portion, 
and the microbe is different from any of the others studied. It is pos- 
sible that the cultures obtained from the moths after so long a time are 
non-pathogenic microbes, instead of the one which produced the disease 
of the imago. No positive statements will therefore be given until ex- 
periments have been made. Cultures from the egg, larve and pupe are 
in stock, and, so far as examined, are all exactly alike. This disease 
can not have been mistaken for any other, since it was noted before any 
of the others were on hand. Thus, having probably found the Boll 


“Worm subject to a disease perhaps peculiar to itself, it remains to be 


seen whether it is contagious and easily disseminated for infection. 

In addition to this, a disease of each of the two larve whose ravages 
are easily mistaken for those of the Boll Worm was also discovered at 
Holly Springs, Mississippi. The two species are Prodenia lineatella and 
the undetermined Noctuid spoken of. In fact the disease of each was 
so prevalent, that but few of the worms were found, and of those found 
all but one, which had been placed in alcohol, died of the disease. No 
great apprehensions need therefore be had concerning these two species. 

Diseases of Agrotis messoria, Nephelodes minians, as also of the large 
tomato worm, are at hand in the form of cultures. 

Cultures from all these sources were begun in August, 1890. By the 
regular methods for such work pure cultures have now been obtained 
and are transferred from time to time to fresh media, in order to con- 
tinue the healthy growing germs through the winter and in good con- 
dition for the approaching season’s experimental work. In this way a 


b 
( 


vast number of cultures in fine condition are on hand, and it is to be - 


hoped that abundant opportunity may be offered this season to execute 
extensive and thorough experiments. 


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